We expect China to work towards disengagement in remaining areas: MEA

At a weekly media briefing here, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said EAM S Jaishan­kar had a detailed discussion with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi last week and agreed to set up a hotline

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)  on Friday said it expects China to work with it through existing bilateral consultation mechanisms between their diplomats and military commanders to ensure early completion of the disengagement process in the remaining areas in eastern Ladakh to allow both sides to consider de-escalation of forces.

At a weekly media briefing here, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said Extern­al Affairs Minister S Jaishan­kar had a detailed discussion with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi last week and agreed to set up a hotline, details of which would be worked out through diplomatic channels.

“...It is our expectation that the Chinese side will work with us both through the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Cooperation on India-China border issues and the senior commanders’ meetings to ensure that disengagement in the remaining areas is completed at the earliest.”  

Desire normal ties with Pak

Talking about the observance of the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement, Srivastava said, “I will direct you to the Mini­stry of Defence... India desires normal relations with all its neighbours, including Pakist­an. We have consistently main­tained that issues, if any, between India and Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally and peacefully. Our position on key issues remains unchanged.”