India will continue to engage with China: Sushma Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday that India will continue to engage with China through diplomatic channels to find "mutually acceptable solutions" to the Doklam stand off and also continue consultations and coordination with Bhutan.

Replying to a debate on India's foreign policy in the Rajya Sabha, Sushma Swaraj - commenting specifically on the stand off in Sikkim sector - said the border with China in the area was not finalised, and added that the document released by China on Wednesday "selectively" quoted former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on issues related to the India-China border.

"A full and accurate account of that letter would have also brought out that Prime Minister Nehru's assertion was clearly based on boundary alignment as shown in our earlier published maps," Sushma Swaraj said.

"The Chinese side in their recent document have expressed commitment to maintain peace and tranquility on the India-China border areas. India always believes peace in the India-China border area is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations," the Minister said.

"We will continue to engage with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution based on the Astana consensus of our leaders. I note the sense of the House is supportive," she said.

"In this regard, in keeping with unique and traditional friendship with Bhutan we will also continue to maintain close consultation and coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan," she said.

A stand off between Indian and Chinese troops is continuing along the border in Sikkim sector close to the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan, since June 16. The stand off started after China attempted to build a road in Bhutanese territory and Indian soldiers stopped them.

--IANS

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