India and China agree to ease tensions

NEW DELHI: India and China have arrived at a five-point understanding to first disengage, and then de-escalate, along the friction points at Ladakh, particularly Pangong Tso. But the Chinese side failed to give a "credible explanation" for the buildup of PLA troops in the area.External affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi agreed on a joint statement listing the five points after talks on Thursday on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meet. Both agreed that the "current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side".The immediate outcome of the dialogue would be a meeting between military commanders for disengagement at the friction points in Pangong Tso in Ladakh."They agreed therefore that the border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions," read the statement.At the meeting, Jaishankar voiced concern on the massive Chinese troop deployment. But Wang remained silent, and at times even tried to skirt the issue.Jaishankar, Wang had spoken after Galwan clash tooThe five-point formula envisages upholding the principle of differences not turning into disputes as agreed upon between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping; continuing military dialogue to disengage while respecting border protocols and not escalating tensions; proceeding with Special Representative-level talks; and initiating new confidence-building measures.Jaishankar and Wang were instrumental in lowering tempers after the June 15 Galwan Valley clash in which both sides suffered casualties. The two had, through a telephonic conversation on June 18, agreed to a disengagement plan that led to withdrawal of Chinese troops from Galwan.At Thursday's talks, the Indian side conveyed to the Chinese delegation that the heavy deployment of PLA troops was not in accordance with the bilateral pacts of 1993 and 1996 on border affairs."The Chinese side has not provided a credible explanation for this deployment. The Indian side clearly conveyed that it expected full adherence to all agreements on management of border areas and would not countenance any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo. It was also emphasised that the Indian troops had scrupulously followed all agreements and protocols pertaining to the management of border areas," said government sources.Jaishankar told Wang that maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas was essential for deepening ties.Chinese bid to muddy watersHowever, the Chinese foreign ministry sought to muddy the waters by saying that India did not link bilateral ties with settlement of the border problem. "Indian side does not consider the relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question," it said.Jaishankar also did not say, as the Chinese note claimed, that "the Indian side believes that China's policy towards India has not changed". In fact, India has said that China has not given any explanation for its "provocative behaviour".The external affairs minister also conveyed to his Chinese counterpart that the recent incidents in eastern Ladakh had impacted the bilateral relationship. Therefore, Jaishankar told Wang, an urgent resolution of the current situation was in the interest of both the nations, sources said.The Indian side insisted that the immediate task should be to ensure a comprehensive disengagement of troops in all the friction areas, and that it was necessary to prevent any untoward incident, the sources added.This was partially reflected in the Chinese statement. The note issued by China's foreign ministry on Friday quoted Wang as saying the relationship was "at a crossroads". "But as long as the two sides keep moving the relationship in the right direction, there will be no difficulty or challenge that can't be overcome."The two foreign ministers met in the backdrop of the first incident of firing at the LAC in 45 years.

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