War not a solution to Doklam standoff: Sushma Swaraj

India’s foreign minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said that war is not a solution to the current standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam plateau. She also saidthat India has taken efforts to ease the standoff.

“We have a strong Army but war is not a solution. It (solution) will come with courage, patience and via diplomatic channels,” Swaraj said in the Rajya Sabha.

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Swaraj said India is also talking on the bilateral relations with China.

“We are not just negotiating on Doklam with China, we are also talking onthe bilateral relations. The solution will emerge from this.”

"We will also continue to maintain close consultation and coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan," the foreign minister further said.

The foreign minister also slammed Rahul Gandhi's talks with China's ambassador in the wake of the border standoff.

"He should have consulted with the Prime Minister first. The opposition should have taken the government's view before meeting the Chinese," Swaraj said.

This comes a day after China’s foreign ministry issued a 15-page statement in which it said India should “immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary”.

The statement also contains a map and two pictures allegedly showing Indian troops trespassing into Chinese territory.