No breakthrough achieved during 'frank and in-depth' India-China border talks

India and China had a frank and in-depth exchange of views on the border situation but no breakthrough has been achieved yet on the remaining flashpoints in eastern Ladakh after the latest round of Corps Commander level talks on Wednesday.

In a statement after the talks, the Indian Army said that the two sides have agreed to maintain security and stability on the border and another round of corps commander level dialogue will take place at the earliest.

"The two sides had a frank and in-depth exchange of views for the resolution of relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. They agreed that both sides should follow the guidance provided by the state leaders and work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest," the statement reads.


The ongoing winter deployment at the border was discussed and the intention to maintain peace was emphasised. "The two sides agreed to consolidate on the previous outcome and take effective efforts to maintain security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector, including during winter," it said.

On Wednesday, Indian Army chief General MM Naravane had said that the two sides had planned to discuss further disengagement at the Hot Springs area in eastern Ladakh, consolidating on past gains in Pangong Tso and Gogra. The senior officer had also said that it would be unfair to expect an outcome after every round of talks.

Representatives from the external affairs ministries of both sides were present at the talks and a decision has been taken to maintain the dialogue. "The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest. In this context, it was also agreed that the next round of the Commanders' talks should be held at the earliest," the statement reads.

As reported, the current round of talks is focusing on the Hot Springs issues while other legacy issues like the blocking of Indian patrol by the PLA at Depsang plains is to be taken up once the flashpoint has been resolved.