Carefully following process initiated by Narendra Modi: MEA on Chinese incursions

NEW DELHI: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of Chinese incursions in Ladakh with Chinese President Xi Jinping, India today said it was carefully following the process initiated by Modi and an outcome was awaited.

The reaction by External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akabaruddin came in response to a question that despite being raised with China, the situation in Chumar and Demchok region was the same and there was the presence of Chinese there.

"Diplomacy is not an instant coffee. It works in ways that it is difficult for the people who are not engaged with it to perceive and understand what is happening. You are aware that India at the highest level has taken it up and also what our public statements are...Therefore,..allow this process to function.

I assure you that the process that was initiated by the Prime Minister is being carefully followed and (we are) awaiting an outcome," the Spokesperson said.

Holding the talks with Xi gainst the backdrop of Chinese army and civilian incursions in Demchok and Chumar, Modi had raised "serious concerns" over the issue of the incursions and sought an early settlement of the boundary question.

However, a day after their talks, there were reports yesterday that Chinese PLA soldiers have crossed into Indian territory again and stationed themselves on a hillock.

Official sources said about 35 PLA men returned to Chumar in northeast Ladakh and were perched on a hillock claiming the area to be part of China while another 300 soldiers were maintaining presence close to Line of Actual Control (LAC).