NSA Ajit Doval discusses border tensions with Chinese Foreign Minister, both agree to ensure de-escalation

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Monday spoke with Wang Yi, State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, to discuss de-escalation along the India-China border in eastern Ladakh. 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that the two "Special Representatives" had a frank and in-depth exchange of views on the recent developments in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas during their telephonic conversation. 

Doval and Yi agreed that it was necessary to ensure complete disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for restoration of peace and tranquillity. 

"The two Special Representatives agreed that both sides should take guidance from the consensus of the leaders that maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas was essential for the further development of our bilateral relations and that two sides should not allow differences to become disputes," the MEA said. 

They agreed that it was necessary to ensure at the earliest complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC and de-escalation from India-China border areas for full restoration of peace and tranquillity, the ministry said.

"In this regard they further agreed that both sides should complete the ongoing disengagement process along the LAC expeditiously. The two sides should also ensure a phased and stepwise de-escalation in the India-China border areas," the ministry said. 

The readout of the call said that Doval and Yi re-affirmed that both sides should strictly respect and observe the LAC and should not take any unilateral action to alter the status quo and work together to avoid any incident in the future that could disturb peace and tranquillity in border areas.

They further agreed that the diplomatic and military officials of the two sides should continue their discussions, including under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC), and implement the understandings reached in a timely manner to achieve the above outcomes. 

It was also agreed between Doval and Chinese FM that they will continue their conversations to ensure full and enduring restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols.

This comes as China has retracted its troops and vehicles from the LAC by around 1.5 kilometres at three locations - Galwan, Hot springs and Gogra, sources said.

Indian Army sources quoted by Zee News informed that the disengagement that was agreed upon at Corps Commander-level talks had started and rearward movement of personnel and vehicles of the Chinese Army has been seen in the regions.

At Galwan, Chinese troops have been seen moving away 1-2 km away with tents being removed by them, they said. 

The tensions between India and China reached a new height in June after 20 Indians soldiers were killed in clashes with Chinese troops at Galwan in eastern Ladakh.