India and China today discussed in detail the developments in the India-China border areas

New Delhi: 24/6/20: India and China today discussed in detail the developments in the India-China border areas in particular the situation in Eastern Ladakh.

The 15th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs was held through video-conference today.

The Indian side conveyed its concerns on the recent developments in Eastern Ladakh, including on the violent face-off in Galway Valley area on 15th June that had resulted in casualties.

It was emphasised that both sides should strictly respect and observe the line of actual control.

The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia), while Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry led the Chinese delegation.

External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that the two sides recalled the conversation last week between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and reaffirmed that both sides should sincerely implement the understanding of disengagement and de-escalation that was reached by the Senior Commanders on 6th June.

The two delegations agreed that implementation of this understanding expeditiously, in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols, would help ensure peace and tranquillity in border areas and the development of a broader relationship between the two countries.

They also took note of the discussions in the second meeting of the Senior Commanders held on the 22nd of this month.

The two sides also agreed to maintain communication both at diplomatic and military levels including under the framework of WMCC to resolve the existing situation peacefully.