New Delhi, Apr 2 (FN Bureau) India on Friday said it expects China to work on early completion of the disengagement process in the remaining areas in eastern Ladakh as this will lead to further restoration of peace in the region. “This would allow both sides to consider de-escalation of forces in eastern Ladakh as that alone will lead to the restoration of peace and tranquility and provide conditions for progress of our bilateral relationship,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during the virtual press briefing on Friday.
At the 10th round of the senior commanders’ meeting on February 10, the two neighbours discussed the ways to disengage the troops and equipment along the border in eastern Ladakh while it was learnt that India had insisted on a faster disengagement process in areas such as Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang to defuse tension in the region. The meeting took place after troops of two countries disengage from north and south of Pangong Tso areas. On March 12, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi had interaction and a consensus emerged that the two sides should now quickly resolve the remaining issues along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
“The disengagement in Pangong Lake area was a significant step forward and it has provided a good basis for resolution of other remaining issues along the LAC in Western Sector,” Mr Bagchi added. Speaking on ongoing situation in neighbouring country Myanmar, he said, “We condemn any use of violence. We believe that the rule of law should prevail. We stand for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.” “We have urged the release of political prisoners and supported any attempts at resolving the current situation, including through the efforts of ASEAN,” Mr Bagchi added.
India remain engaged on this issue with international interlocutors and at the UN Security Council in an effort to play a balanced and constructive role, the spokesperson further said. Responding to a question on vaccination of foreign diplomats staying in India, he said that the Government has invited all foreign diplomats and their families, above the age of 45 years to get them vaccinated and a very positive response from them has been received.