AKIPRESS.COM - India and China have been discussing the disengagement of their troops from the friction areas including Gogra heights, Hot Springs and the Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh sector, DNA reports.

The 11th round India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on April 9, 2021.

At the talks, it was highlighted that disengagement from the remaining friction areas would pave way for the de-escalation of forces from the eastern Ladakh sector, India’s Defence Ministry said in a statement issued after the meeting. The ministry said the two sides agreed on the need to resolve the outstanding issues in an expeditious manner in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols.

"In this context, it was highlighted that completion of disengagement in other areas would pave the way for two sides to consider de-escalation of forces and ensure full restoration of peace and tranquillity and enable progress in bilateral relations," the ministry said.

The statement said India and China had a detailed exchange of views for the resolution of the "remaining issues" related to disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The statement said the two sides agreed that it was important to take guidance from the consensus of their leaders, continue their communication and dialogue and work towards a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.

They also agreed to jointly maintain stability on the ground, avoid any new incidents and jointly maintain peace in the border areas. The two countries have been engaged in a military standoff for almost a year but disengaged from the most contentious Pangong lake area in February after extensive talks at both military and political levels.