India-China Standoff: Second Round Of Talks On Ladakh Row Take Place In A ‘Positive Atmosphere

On June 10, Indian & Chinese armies held Major General-level talks with an aim to end the military standoff in Pangong Tso & a number of other areas in eastern Ladakh. Reportedly, in the over four-and-half-hour meeting, Indian side pressed for restoration of status quo ante & immediate withdrawal of sizeable number of Chinese soldiers from all the standoff points. Reports suggest that the dialogue took place in a ‘positive atmosphere’ with an aim to further ease tension between the two sides. Indian & Chinese troops have been engaged since May 5 following a violent clash in Pangong Tso. In their first serious efforts to end the row, Lt General Harinder Singh, the general officer commanding of Leh-based 14 Corps & Major General Liu Lin, Commander of the Tibet Military District held an extensive meeting on June 6. On June 6, China said that Indian & Chinese troops have started implementing the ‘positive consensus’ reached by the senior military officials of the two countries on June 6 aimed at ‘easing’ the situation along the borders. When asked about reports of both sides disengaging & moving back to their previous positions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told the press in Beijing that both sides are taking steps to ease the situation along the borders. June 6 talks came a day after the two countries held diplomatic talks during which both sides agreed to handle their ‘differences’ through peaceful discussions while respecting each other's sensitivities & concerns. India's external affairs ministry’s statement on June 7 said that the meeting took place in a ‘cordial and positive atmosphere’.