India, Chi discuss border affairs

New Delhi, Nov 17: In the wake of the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Doklam region in Bhutan earlier this year, officials from both sides discussed border-related issues at the 10th round of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordition (WMCC) on India-Chi Border Affairs in Beijing on Friday.

“The talks were held in a constructive and forward-looking manner,” the Exterl Affairs Ministry said in a statement here.

“Both sides reviewed the situation in all sectors of India-Chi border and agreed that maintence of peace and tranquility in the border areas is an important prerequisite for sustained growth of bilateral relations,” it stated. “In this regard, the two sides also exchanged views on further confidence building measures and strengthening of military-to-military contacts.” The meeting comes after Indian and Chinese troops were locked in an over two-month-long standoff at the Doklam plateau in Bhutan.

The crisis, which erupted in June over Chinese moves to build a road in an area claimed by Bhutan, ended in August, with both sides deciding to “disengage” from the face-off point. Earlier this month, Beijing protested Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Aruchal Pradesh but New Delhi reasserted that the northeastern state was an integral part of India.

In the meeting, the Indian delegation was led by Pray Verma, Joint Secretary (East Asia), in the Ministry of Exterl Affairs, while the Chinese side was led by Xiao Qian, Director General, Department of Asian Affairs, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The two delegations comprised diplomatic and military officials from each side, according to the ministry statement.

WMCC was established in 2012 as an institutiol mechanism for consultation and coordition for the maintence of peace and tranquility in the India-Chi border areas, as well as to exchange views on strengthening communication and cooperation, including between their border security personnel. (IANS)