In a humane gesture, Indian Army handed over yaks and calves that strayed across the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh to China, said the Eastern Command, Indian Army on Monday. 
 
The eastern command said that the Chinese officials thanked the Indian Army for the "compassionate gesture".

"In a humane gesture, the Indian Army handed over 13 Yaks and four Calves that strayed across the LAC on August 31 in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh to China on 07 Sep 20. Chinese officials present thanked the Indian Army for the compassionate gesture," the Eastern Command tweeted.

The situation with China has been tense and India is continuously engaging with them at the military and diplomatic level, Army Chief General MM Naravane said on Friday, who visited Ladakh to review the situation.

India recently outflanked China by taking control of strategic height near Pangong Lake’s southern bank. It thwarted an attempt by the Chinese army to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh.

India and China are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including the Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot Springs and Kongrung Nala. The situation worsened after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in June.

The talks between the two sides have been going on for the last three months including five Lieutenant general-level talks but have failed to yield any results, so far.

In a humane gesture, Indian Army handed over yaks and calves that strayed across the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh to China, said the Eastern Command, Indian Army on Monday.

In a humane gesture, Indian Army handed over yaks and calves that strayed across the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh to China, said the Eastern Command, Indian Army on Monday. The eastern command said that the Chinese officials thanked the Indian Army for the "compassionate gesture". "In a humane gesture, the Indian Army handed over 13 Yaks and four Calves that strayed across the LAC on August 31 in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh to China on 07 Sep 20. Chinese officials present thanked the Indian Army for the compassionate gesture," the Eastern Command tweeted. The situation with China has been tense and India is continuously engaging with them at the military and diplomatic level, Army Chief General MM Naravane said on Friday, who visited Ladakh to review the situation. India recently outflanked China by taking control of strategic height near Pangong Lake’s southern bank. It thwarted an attempt by the Chinese army to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh. India and China are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including the Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot Springs and Kongrung Nala. The situation worsened after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in June. The talks between the two sides have been going on for the last three months including five Lieutenant general-level talks but have failed to yield any results, so far.

Amid row, army hands over 13 yaks, 4 calves to China as ‘humane gesture’

India on Tuesday said that China engaged in provocative military manoeuvres in the late night of August 29 and August 30 in an attempt to change the status quo in the South Bank area of Pangong Lake.&nbsp;

In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs informed that "on August 31, even as ground commanders of two sides were in discussions to de-escalate the situation, Chinese troops again engaged in provocative action. Due to timely defensive action, the Indian side was able to prevent these attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo."

Watch:

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India was able to prevent unilaterally attempts by China to alter the status quo once again after a similar incident had taken place on the intervening night of August 29-30 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-demands-india-withdraw-troops-from-border-to-avoid-escalation-324316">Also Read:&nbsp;China demands India withdraw troops from border to avoid escalation</a>

Here's the full statement by the government

As you are aware, India and China have been closely engaged through diplomatic and military channels over the past three months to resolve the situation along the India-China border. It would also be recalled that earlier the two Foreign Ministers and the two Special Representatives had agreed that the situation should be handled in a responsible manner and either side should not take any provocative action or escalate matters and ensure peace and tranquillity as per bilateral agreements and protocol. 
&nbsp; 
The Chinese side, however, violated this understanding and engaged in provocative military manoeuvres in the late night of 29th and on 30th August in an attempt to change the status quo in the South Bank area of Pangong Lake. As stated yesterday by the Indian Army, the Indian side responded to these provocative actions and took appropriate defensive measures along the LAC in order to safeguard our interests and defend the territorial integrity. Furthermore, yesterday on 31st August, even as the ground commanders of the two sides were in discussions to de-escalate the situation, the Chinese troops again engaged in provocative action. Due to the timely defensive action, the Indian side was able to prevent these attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo. 
&nbsp; 
The actions and behaviour of the Chinese side since earlier this year along the LAC has been in clear violation of the bilateral agreements and protocols concluded between the two countries to ensure peace and tranquillity on the border. Such actions are also in complete disregard to the understandings reached between the two Foreign Ministers as also the Special Representatives. 
&nbsp; 
We have taken up the matter of recent provocative and aggressive actions with the Chinese side through both diplomatic and military channels and have urged them to discipline and control their frontline troops from undertaking such provocative actions. 
&nbsp; 
The Indian side is firmly committed to resolving all outstanding issues along the LAC in the Western Sector through peaceful dialogue. In this context, we expect the Chinese side to sincerely abide by the understanding reached earlier and earnestly work with India to resolve the situation and to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

India on Tuesday said that China engaged in provocative military manoeuvres in the late night of August 29 and August 30 in an attempt to change the status quo in the South Bank area of Pangong Lake.

India on Tuesday said that China engaged in provocative military manoeuvres in the late night of August 29 and August 30 in an attempt to change the status quo in the South Bank area of Pangong Lake. In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs informed that "on August 31, even as ground commanders of two sides were in discussions to de-escalate the situation, Chinese troops again engaged in provocative action. Due to timely defensive action, the Indian side was able to prevent these attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo." Watch: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India was able to prevent unilaterally attempts by China to alter the status quo once again after a similar incident had taken place on the intervening night of August 29-30 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Also Read: China demands India withdraw troops from border to avoid escalation Here's the full statement by the government As you are aware, India and China have been closely engaged through diplomatic and military channels over the past three months to resolve the situation along the India-China border. It would also be recalled that earlier the two Foreign Ministers and the two Special Representatives had agreed that the situation should be handled in a responsible manner and either side should not take any provocative action or escalate matters and ensure peace and tranquillity as per bilateral agreements and protocol. The Chinese side, however, violated this understanding and engaged in provocative military manoeuvres in the late night of 29th and on 30th August in an attempt to change the status quo in the South Bank area of Pangong Lake. As stated yesterday by the Indian Army, the Indian side responded to these provocative actions and took appropriate defensive measures along the LAC in order to safeguard our interests and defend the territorial integrity. Furthermore, yesterday on 31st August, even as the ground commanders of the two sides were in discussions to de-escalate the situation, the Chinese troops again engaged in provocative action. Due to the timely defensive action, the Indian side was able to prevent these attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo. The actions and behaviour of the Chinese side since earlier this year along the LAC has been in clear violation of the bilateral agreements and protocols concluded between the two countries to ensure peace and tranquillity on the border. Such actions are also in complete disregard to the understandings reached between the two Foreign Ministers as also the Special Representatives. We have taken up the matter of recent provocative and aggressive actions with the Chinese side through both diplomatic and military channels and have urged them to discipline and control their frontline troops from undertaking such provocative actions. The Indian side is firmly committed to resolving all outstanding issues along the LAC in the Western Sector through peaceful dialogue. In this context, we expect the Chinese side to sincerely abide by the understanding reached earlier and earnestly work with India to resolve the situation and to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

China's provocation at LAC is a clear violation of agreements: India

The Galwan clash was the deadliest in 45 years. 20 Indian soldiers killed in action that took place on June 15.&nbsp;

The P.L.A's unprovoked attack on Indian soldiers added fuel to a long-smouldering conflict. The galwan clashes led to outrage. There were calls for a complete boycott of China in India.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Jaishankar said the Chinese attack was pre-meditated and Wang Yi was reminded of China's agreement to de-escalate and disengage along the line of actual control.

However, the very next day, the Chinese government claimed the entire Galwan Valley. The Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said: "The Galwan Valley is located on the chinese side of the lac in the western section of the sino-indian border.”

China was never serious about de-escalation. This became obvious in the conversations that followed.

On June 22, India and China held military-level talks. This was the second round of dialogue. The first one --- happened on June 6.&nbsp;

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Before the clashes in Galwan, India and China agreed on stepwise mutual disengagement. But the P.L.A. didn't pull back.&nbsp;

Almost eight days later, commanders from both sides met again. This was the third round of talks.

Both sides repeated calls for a phased de-escalation. The military level dialogue was unable to break the deadlock.&nbsp;

But India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval spoke to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.&nbsp;

Ajit Doval and Wang Yi are special representatives of India and China on the boundary issue. The NSA said India is strongly committed to ensuring its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides agreed to remain in touch.

There was some de-escalation on the border. The Chinese army moved back tents, vehicles and soldiers by 1-2 kilometres.&nbsp;

But this was way short of the promised complete de-escalation. India wanted china to withdraw to the pre-April 20 positions.

Beijing refused to budge, both sides have held discussions at least four times since July 6.

On July 14, the military level talks went on for almost 15 hours. 10 days later --- there was a diplomatic dialogue.

Followed by the fifth round of military talks on August 2 and the sixth round of talks on the August 8.

Major generals from both sides participated in this one. Then diplomats held talks on August 20. Within 9 days --- China broke its promise once again.

With its latest provocation --- Beijing has taken its discussions with India back to square one.

The Galwan clash was the deadliest in 45 years. 20 Indian soldiers killed in action that took place on June 15. The P.L.A's unprovoked attack on Indian soldiers added fuel to a long-smouldering conflict.

The Galwan clash was the deadliest in 45 years. 20 Indian soldiers killed in action that took place on June 15. The P.L.A's unprovoked attack on Indian soldiers added fuel to a long-smouldering conflict. The galwan clashes led to outrage. There were calls for a complete boycott of China in India. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Jaishankar said the Chinese attack was pre-meditated and Wang Yi was reminded of China's agreement to de-escalate and disengage along the line of actual control. However, the very next day, the Chinese government claimed the entire Galwan Valley. The Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said: "The Galwan Valley is located on the chinese side of the lac in the western section of the sino-indian border.” China was never serious about de-escalation. This became obvious in the conversations that followed. On June 22, India and China held military-level talks. This was the second round of dialogue. The first one --- happened on June 6. × Before the clashes in Galwan, India and China agreed on stepwise mutual disengagement. But the P.L.A. didn't pull back. Almost eight days later, commanders from both sides met again. This was the third round of talks. Both sides repeated calls for a phased de-escalation. The military level dialogue was unable to break the deadlock. But India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval spoke to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Ajit Doval and Wang Yi are special representatives of India and China on the boundary issue. The NSA said India is strongly committed to ensuring its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides agreed to remain in touch. There was some de-escalation on the border. The Chinese army moved back tents, vehicles and soldiers by 1-2 kilometres. But this was way short of the promised complete de-escalation. India wanted china to withdraw to the pre-April 20 positions. Beijing refused to budge, both sides have held discussions at least four times since July 6. On July 14, the military level talks went on for almost 15 hours. 10 days later --- there was a diplomatic dialogue. Followed by the fifth round of military talks on August 2 and the sixth round of talks on the August 8. Major generals from both sides participated in this one. Then diplomats held talks on August 20. Within 9 days --- China broke its promise once again. With its latest provocation --- Beijing has taken its discussions with India back to square one.

China's latest provocation on Galwan issue strains ties with India

Amid tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), the Chinese embassy in India said today that "India has grossly violated China's territorial sovereignty" and that China has made "representations to the Indian side".

Watch:

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Chila alleged that Indian troops crossed the LAC.

"On August 31, Indian troops violated the consensus reached in previous multi-level engagements and negotiations between China and India, illegally trespassed the Line of Actual Control again at the southern bank of Pangong Tso lake and near the Reqin Pass in the western sector of China-India border,"&nbsp;the Chinese embassy said in a statement.

The Chinese embassy said "Indian troops illegally trespassed LAC again at southern bank of Pangong Tso."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-demands-india-withdraw-troops-from-border-to-avoid-escalation-324316">Also Read:&nbsp;China demands India withdraw troops from border to avoid escalation</a>

"What India has done runs counter to the efforts made by both sides&nbsp;for a period of time to ease and cool down the situation on the ground, and China is resolutely opposed to this," it added.

The statement said&nbsp;it has urged the "Indian side to strictly control and restrain its frontline troops" and "earnestly honour its commitments, immediately stop all provocative actions, immediately withdraw its troops illegally trespassing the LAC, immediately stop any actions leading to the escalations and complications of the situation."

Amid the border row, newswire ANI quoting official sources said that the Indian Army and Chinese Army will hold brigade commander level talks in Chushul to discuss issues related to the situation on the southern bank of Pangong lake today.&nbsp;

Amid tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), the Chinese embassy in India said today that "India has grossly violated China's territorial sovereignty" and that China has made "representations to the Indian side".

Amid tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), the Chinese embassy in India said today that "India has grossly violated China's territorial sovereignty" and that China has made "representations to the Indian side". Watch: Chila alleged that Indian troops crossed the LAC. "On August 31, Indian troops violated the consensus reached in previous multi-level engagements and negotiations between China and India, illegally trespassed the Line of Actual Control again at the southern bank of Pangong Tso lake and near the Reqin Pass in the western sector of China-India border," the Chinese embassy said in a statement. The Chinese embassy said "Indian troops illegally trespassed LAC again at southern bank of Pangong Tso." Also Read: China demands India withdraw troops from border to avoid escalation "What India has done runs counter to the efforts made by both sides for a period of time to ease and cool down the situation on the ground, and China is resolutely opposed to this," it added. The statement said it has urged the "Indian side to strictly control and restrain its frontline troops" and "earnestly honour its commitments, immediately stop all provocative actions, immediately withdraw its troops illegally trespassing the LAC, immediately stop any actions leading to the escalations and complications of the situation." Amid the border row, newswire ANI quoting official sources said that the Indian Army and Chinese Army will hold brigade commander level talks in Chushul to discuss issues related to the situation on the southern bank of Pangong lake today.

Now, China accuses India of 'trespassing' LAC at southern bank of Pangong Tso

China is facing massive job loss, protests due to coronavirus pandemic and other economic situations. World attention was fixed on Hong Kong protests as China worked new law.

China is facing massive job loss, protests due to coronavirus pandemic and other economic situations. World attention was fixed on Hong Kong protests as China worked new law. But border tension has shifted attention from Hong Kong, Covid-19 and economic issues to India-China border disputes. Xi Jinping creating new problems outside, to distract from his troubles at home. On the intervening night of August 29 and 30 — the PLA carried out what has been described as "provocative military movements". India foiled an attempt by Chinese troops to change the status quo on their disputed border -- the Line of Actual Control (LAC) -- in a fresh flare-up between the two nuclear-armed nations. But China refuted India's statement, claiming its troops "never cross the line of actual control". "On the Night of 29/30 August 2020, PLA troops violated the previous consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff in Eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo," the Indian army said in a statement. China is said to be building more Defence infrastructure along the disputed border with India. One report claims that China has been developing two air Defence positions. This covers the 2017 Doklam standoff area and Naku la in Sikkim. This area was in the news earlier this year. It witnessed clashes between Indian and Chinese soldiers before the Ladakh standoff. So, China is building up its military infrastructure on all potential flashpoints. It is provoking India with fresh incursions. China is provoking and refusing to acknowledge that its troops were killed in Galwan. Reports say more than 30 fresh tombs were added to this and old cemetery of Chinese soldiers in June. Chinese lost anywhere between 35 to 50 soldiers in the clash but China remains silent. The desire to project strength is so strong, that Xi Jinping refuses to even acknowledge, let alone honour the sacrifice of China's soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

China creates tension at the border to mask domestic troubles

Two months after the Galwan Valley clash which left 20 Indian soldiers dead in eastern Ladakh, the India Navy has dispatched one of its frontline warships to the South China Sea. Watch report.

Indian Navy deploys warship in South China Sea: 2 months after Galwan clash

Two days after India's Ministry of Defence(MoD) posted its June report stating that "a violent faceoff incident took place between the two sides on June 15 resulting in casualties on both sides" in the Galwan Valley, the report has vanished from the news section of the website with a "page not found" URL.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/present-india-china-standoff-likely-to-be-prolonged-defence-ministry-report-318519">Also Read - Present India-China standoff likely to be prolonged: Defence ministry report</a>

In the report, the defence&nbsp;ministry had stated that "the Chinese side transgressed in the area of Kugrang Nala, Gogra and north bank of Pangong Tso lake on 17-18 May."

"The situation in eastern Ladakh arising from unilateral aggression by China continues to be sensitive and requires close monitoring and prompt action based on evolving situation," the ministry had said in its report.

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On the engagment with China, the report had claimed that "the present standoff is likely to be prolonged" while stating that Chinese aggression had increased along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) especially in the Galwan Valley since May 5.

The report was titled: Chinese aggression on LAC. The link however has gone missing now. In the report, there were also details on order being placed for&nbsp;156 infantry combat vehicles(ICV) with upgraded features for the use of mechanised forces for the Indian Army.

The MoD report also said that ICGS Kanaklata Barua, a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) was inducted into the Indian Coast Guard on June 15 and was based in Kakinada.

The report had revealed that 30 advanced torpedo decoy system(ATDS) Maareech was placed in June costing Rs 761 crores from Bharat Electronics Limited(BEL).

Two days after India's Ministry of Defence(MoD) posted its June report stating that "a violent faceoff incident took place between the two sides on June 15 resulting in casualties on both sides" in the Galwan Valley, the report has vanished from the news section of the website with a "page not found" URL.

Two days after India's Ministry of Defence(MoD) posted its June report stating that "a violent faceoff incident took place between the two sides on June 15 resulting in casualties on both sides" in the Galwan Valley, the report has vanished from the news section of the website with a "page not found" URL. Also Read - Present India-China standoff likely to be prolonged: Defence ministry report In the report, the defence ministry had stated that "the Chinese side transgressed in the area of Kugrang Nala, Gogra and north bank of Pangong Tso lake on 17-18 May." "The situation in eastern Ladakh arising from unilateral aggression by China continues to be sensitive and requires close monitoring and prompt action based on evolving situation," the ministry had said in its report. On the engagment with China, the report had claimed that "the present standoff is likely to be prolonged" while stating that Chinese aggression had increased along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) especially in the Galwan Valley since May 5. The report was titled: Chinese aggression on LAC. The link however has gone missing now. In the report, there were also details on order being placed for 156 infantry combat vehicles(ICV) with upgraded features for the use of mechanised forces for the Indian Army. The MoD report also said that ICGS Kanaklata Barua, a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) was inducted into the Indian Coast Guard on June 15 and was based in Kakinada. The report had revealed that 30 advanced torpedo decoy system(ATDS) Maareech was placed in June costing Rs 761 crores from Bharat Electronics Limited(BEL).

India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website

India's ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Verma has said it won't be "business as usual" with China till "complete disengagement" has taken place at the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-amid-reports-of-pla-slowing-de-escalation-india-china-wmcc-talks-on-border-affairs-to-take-place-on-friday-315466">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid reports of PLA slowing de-escalation, India, China WMCC talks on border affairs to take place on Friday</a>

Speaking to Izvestia, also considered the country's national newspaper envoy, Verma said,"we have made it clear that we will not do business with China as usual until there is a complete disengagement of military forces along the Line of Actual Control and de-escalation in the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols. As Prime Minister Modi noted, this is an era of development, and the era of expansion has come to an end."

His comments are significant, given Moscow has been briefed by India on the situation at the LAC after the violent flare up on June 15. The actions by Chinese that killed 20 Indian soldiers have been termed "premeditated" by India.&nbsp;

Welcoming Russia for demonstrating "understanding of India's position on the border issue" and the envoy said, "we are completely satisfied with the progress of our military-technical cooperation with Russia and the rapid delivery of weapons, so we look forward to the visit of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to India towards the end of this year."

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Moscow in end June to take part in victory day parade. India recently approved a proposal for procurement of 21 MIG-29 along with up-gradation of existing 59 Mig-29 aircraft from Russia at an estimated cost of Rs 7418 crore.

On Indo Pacific, the envoy said, "India and Russia share common interest so that the Indo-Pacific region becomes a region of peace, stability and economic prosperity, so that no country seeks unilateral advantage at the cost of the entire region."

Russia is reluctant on the concept, given it is Washington-backed.&nbsp;

On India's ties with US versus India's ties with Russia, envoy explained that while "India has a strategic partnership with the United States and cooperation on global issues" New Delhi "pursues an independent foreign policy" and "never joined any alliance and will not do so in future."&nbsp;

On defense procurement, he said, India takes "independent decisions" and see "no contradiction between further development of India's defense relations with Russia and those with the United States", adding, "Our military cooperation with the Russian Federation will continue, taking into account the interests of India in the field of national security"

India's ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Verma has said it won't be "business as usual" with China till "complete disengagement" has taken place at the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

India's ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Verma has said it won't be "business as usual" with China till "complete disengagement" has taken place at the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Also Read: Amid reports of PLA slowing de-escalation, India, China WMCC talks on border affairs to take place on Friday Speaking to Izvestia, also considered the country's national newspaper envoy, Verma said,"we have made it clear that we will not do business with China as usual until there is a complete disengagement of military forces along the Line of Actual Control and de-escalation in the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols. As Prime Minister Modi noted, this is an era of development, and the era of expansion has come to an end." His comments are significant, given Moscow has been briefed by India on the situation at the LAC after the violent flare up on June 15. The actions by Chinese that killed 20 Indian soldiers have been termed "premeditated" by India. Welcoming Russia for demonstrating "understanding of India's position on the border issue" and the envoy said, "we are completely satisfied with the progress of our military-technical cooperation with Russia and the rapid delivery of weapons, so we look forward to the visit of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to India towards the end of this year." India's defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Moscow in end June to take part in victory day parade. India recently approved a proposal for procurement of 21 MIG-29 along with up-gradation of existing 59 Mig-29 aircraft from Russia at an estimated cost of Rs 7418 crore. On Indo Pacific, the envoy said, "India and Russia share common interest so that the Indo-Pacific region becomes a region of peace, stability and economic prosperity, so that no country seeks unilateral advantage at the cost of the entire region." Russia is reluctant on the concept, given it is Washington-backed. On India's ties with US versus India's ties with Russia, envoy explained that while "India has a strategic partnership with the United States and cooperation on global issues" New Delhi "pursues an independent foreign policy" and "never joined any alliance and will not do so in future." On defense procurement, he said, India takes "independent decisions" and see "no contradiction between further development of India's defense relations with Russia and those with the United States", adding, "Our military cooperation with the Russian Federation will continue, taking into account the interests of India in the field of national security"

No business as usual with China until complete disengagement: Indian envoy to Russia Venkatesh Verma

Indian Army on Thursday issued a statement saying that the core commanders of India and China reviewed the progress of disengagement and discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement during the meet at Chushul in eastern Ladakh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-aggressive-actions-against-india-give-insight-into-how-cpc-thinking-theses-days-us-nsa-313381">Also Read:&nbsp;China's aggressive actions against India give insight into how CPC thinking theses days, says US NSA</a>

“India and China have been engaged in discussions through established military and diplomatic channels to address the prevailing situation along the LAC.Commanders from PLA &amp; Indian Army held a meeting at Chushul, on Indian side, for the fourth round of talks, on July 14 2020,” Army said in a statement. 
 
The meeting between Corps commander-level officers including Lt Gen Harinder Singh lasted for close to 15 hours. It started on July 14 at 11:30 am and ended at 2 am on July 15, the sources said. 
 
They said both sides will now monitor further disengagement by troops and verify the development in the next few days around July 21-22.

According to the statement the engagement was consistent with the consensus reached between the Special Representatives of India and China earlier, on July 05, to discuss complete disengagement.The Senior Commanders reviewed the progress on implementation of the first phase of disengagement and discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement. &nbsp;

“The two sides remain committed to the objective of complete disengagement. This process is intricate and requires constant verification. They are taking it forward through regular meetings at diplomatic and military level.” Colonel Aman Anand, Ministry of Defence Spokesperson.

Indian Army on Thursday issued a statement saying that the core commanders of India and China reviewed the progress of disengagement and discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement during the meet at Chushul in eastern Ladakh.

Indian Army on Thursday issued a statement saying that the core commanders of India and China reviewed the progress of disengagement and discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement during the meet at Chushul in eastern Ladakh. Also Read: China's aggressive actions against India give insight into how CPC thinking theses days, says US NSA “India and China have been engaged in discussions through established military and diplomatic channels to address the prevailing situation along the LAC.Commanders from PLA & Indian Army held a meeting at Chushul, on Indian side, for the fourth round of talks, on July 14 2020,” Army said in a statement. The meeting between Corps commander-level officers including Lt Gen Harinder Singh lasted for close to 15 hours. It started on July 14 at 11:30 am and ended at 2 am on July 15, the sources said. They said both sides will now monitor further disengagement by troops and verify the development in the next few days around July 21-22. According to the statement the engagement was consistent with the consensus reached between the Special Representatives of India and China earlier, on July 05, to discuss complete disengagement.The Senior Commanders reviewed the progress on implementation of the first phase of disengagement and discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement. “The two sides remain committed to the objective of complete disengagement. This process is intricate and requires constant verification. They are taking it forward through regular meetings at diplomatic and military level.” Colonel Aman Anand, Ministry of Defence Spokesperson.

Ladakh standoff: Discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement, says Indian army

India and China's core commanders met at Chushul in eastern Ladakh on Tuesday for&nbsp;the fourth round of talks amid disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-aggressive-actions-against-india-give-insight-into-how-cpc-thinking-theses-days-us-nsa-313381">Also Read:&nbsp;China's aggressive actions against India give insight into how CPC thinking theses days, says US NSA</a>

The meeting between the sides lasted reportedly for 15 hours. The meeting began at 11 am on Tuesday and lasted till 2am on Wednesday. The talks were held to discuss the second phase of disengagement.

Watch:

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India and Chinese troops had last week decided to disengage along the LAC after the clash at Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers had died in action, although the PLA had suffered casualties as well but China's foreign ministry has refused to divulge the casualty figures even though the state-run Global Times had said there were casualties on the Chinese side as well.

Amid the disengagement talks, the Indian government announced today that Defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Ladakh and Jammu &amp; Kashmir on July 17-18. India's defence minister will be accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane.

Lt. Gen. Harinder Singh led India's side during the talks on Tuesday with Major General Liu Lin leading the Chinese side. India and China had taken part in two rounds of talks after the Galwan clash on June 22 and June 30 amid tensions at the border. On June 6, commanders from both sides had met amid reports of China amassing troops at the border.

After talks under the &nbsp;Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on border affairs, the Chinese side had said that both sides will continue to maintain dialogue.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has now pulled back completely from Gogra and Hot Springs area in eastern Ladakh. The Indian and Chinese troops had also pulled back from Patrolling Point(PP) 17 which is the Hot Springs area with complete disengagement at P-14, PP-15 and PP-17.

India and China's core commanders met at Chushul in eastern Ladakh on Tuesday for the fourth round of talks amid disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

India and China's core commanders met at Chushul in eastern Ladakh on Tuesday for the fourth round of talks amid disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Also Read: China's aggressive actions against India give insight into how CPC thinking theses days, says US NSA The meeting between the sides lasted reportedly for 15 hours. The meeting began at 11 am on Tuesday and lasted till 2am on Wednesday. The talks were held to discuss the second phase of disengagement. Watch: India and Chinese troops had last week decided to disengage along the LAC after the clash at Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers had died in action, although the PLA had suffered casualties as well but China's foreign ministry has refused to divulge the casualty figures even though the state-run Global Times had said there were casualties on the Chinese side as well. Amid the disengagement talks, the Indian government announced today that Defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir on July 17-18. India's defence minister will be accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane. Lt. Gen. Harinder Singh led India's side during the talks on Tuesday with Major General Liu Lin leading the Chinese side. India and China had taken part in two rounds of talks after the Galwan clash on June 22 and June 30 amid tensions at the border. On June 6, commanders from both sides had met amid reports of China amassing troops at the border. After talks under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on border affairs, the Chinese side had said that both sides will continue to maintain dialogue. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has now pulled back completely from Gogra and Hot Springs area in eastern Ladakh. The Indian and Chinese troops had also pulled back from Patrolling Point(PP) 17 which is the Hot Springs area with complete disengagement at P-14, PP-15 and PP-17.

India, China core commanders meet for 15 hours to discuss second phase of disengagement along LAC

In major signs of tensions easing at LAC the disengagement between India and China has been completed from the hot springs at the Galwan valley in Ladakh. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: PLA pulling back from finger area, India-China begins disengagement process

More than 60 days after the standoff began, Chinese troops have begun stepping back. A complete withdrawal is still work in progress. For 70 years, India and China have failed to clearly define the line of actual control. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what India needs to do to permanently settle the situation at the border.

Gravitas: India-China standoff, Chinese troops step back

The border standoff between India and China happened more than a month ago. Dubbed as the “bloodiest” standoff in the longest time, it had stirred up new tensions between the countries, before both mutually agreed to disengage on Monday.

India had recently begun work on improving its border infrastructure. As part of this, India built new roads, highways, and bridges. This was done for the Indian forces to be more watchful of the neighbour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/india-china-standoff-galwan-pullback-after-nsa-dovals-two-hour-phone-call-with-chinese-foreign-minister-311064" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Galwan pullback after NSA Doval's two-hour phone call with Chinese foreign minister</a>

Over the last four years, India’s spending on the roads being constructed along the Line of Actual Control has tripled. Even after the standoff, the work has continued.

The Darbuk Shayok Daulat Beg Oldie road could have allegedly been the key factor that led to the brawl between both the sides. The road runs parallel to the LAC, and India has spent almost 20 years building the road - an all weather path, which connects to Leh.

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Why is China worried? 

The DSDBO highway provides the Indian military access to a section of the Tibet Xijiang highway that passes through Aksai Chin. India has been building feeder roads along this highway, one of which branches off towards the Galwan Valley, where the conflict happened.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/india-china-standoff-pm-narendra-modis-ladakh-visit-gives-a-clear-message-to-beijing-310522" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: PM Narendra Modi's Ladakh visit gives a clear message to Beijing</a>

Under the Modi government, India’s spending on LAC roads has tripled. rom Rs 4,600 crores in 2016 to almost Rs 12 thousand crores in 2020. The money has gone towards building more roads, bridges and tunnels.

The DSDBO road is essential for India’s armed forces, as it connects Leh to Daulat Beg Oldi, which is a historic campsite and a military base, and has the world’s highest airstrip.

Additionally, India had created a military outpost, which is manned by soldiers from the Army and the Paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Force, which carry out patrolling across the LAC.

The border standoff between India and China happened more than a month ago. Dubbed as the “bloodiest” standoff in the longest time, it had stirred up new tensions between the countries, before both mutually agreed to disengage on Monday.

The border standoff between India and China happened more than a month ago. Dubbed as the “bloodiest” standoff in the longest time, it had stirred up new tensions between the countries, before both mutually agreed to disengage on Monday. India had recently begun work on improving its border infrastructure. As part of this, India built new roads, highways, and bridges. This was done for the Indian forces to be more watchful of the neighbour. Also read: India-China standoff: Galwan pullback after NSA Doval's two-hour phone call with Chinese foreign minister Over the last four years, India’s spending on the roads being constructed along the Line of Actual Control has tripled. Even after the standoff, the work has continued. The Darbuk Shayok Daulat Beg Oldie road could have allegedly been the key factor that led to the brawl between both the sides. The road runs parallel to the LAC, and India has spent almost 20 years building the road - an all weather path, which connects to Leh. Why is China worried? The DSDBO highway provides the Indian military access to a section of the Tibet Xijiang highway that passes through Aksai Chin. India has been building feeder roads along this highway, one of which branches off towards the Galwan Valley, where the conflict happened. Also read: India-China standoff: PM Narendra Modi's Ladakh visit gives a clear message to Beijing Under the Modi government, India’s spending on LAC roads has tripled. rom Rs 4,600 crores in 2016 to almost Rs 12 thousand crores in 2020. The money has gone towards building more roads, bridges and tunnels. The DSDBO road is essential for India’s armed forces, as it connects Leh to Daulat Beg Oldi, which is a historic campsite and a military base, and has the world’s highest airstrip. Additionally, India had created a military outpost, which is manned by soldiers from the Army and the Paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Force, which carry out patrolling across the LAC.

What triggered the India-China standoff, and why is Beijing irked?

PM Modi paid a surprised visit to the injured jawans at the military hospital in Leh, where they were undergoing treatment since the ‘violent face-off’ in eastern Ladakh that left 20 jawans martyred. Now China has reacted to PM Modi's visit and said 'Hope India will follow Modi-Xi consensus'.

WION Dispatch: China reacts to PM Modi's Ladakh visit | India-China standoff

China reacts to PM Modi's Ladakh visit, Denies being 'expansionist'

Disgruntled retired and serving Chinese Army cadres, who are hurt by the treatment meted out by the government, can launch an "armed" anti-regime action against Xi Jinping's government, said Jianli Yang, a Chinese dissident and son of a former Communist Party leader.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-bar-chinese-companies-from-highway-projects-including-in-joint-ventures-gadkari-309880">Also read: India to bar Chinese companies from highway projects including in joint ventures, says Nitin Gadkari</a> 
 
In an opinion piece in The Washington Post, Jianli Yang, the founder and president of Citizen Power Initiatives for China, writes that Beijing fears that the admitting that it had lost troops, that too more in number than its opponent, could lead to major domestic unrest that can even put the regime of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at stake.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-should-india-do-now-to-fight-chinas-provocations-306750">What should India do now to fight China's provocations?</a>

"The PLA has long been a key pillar of the CCP's power. If the sentiments of the serving PLA cadres are hurt and they get together with the millions of disgruntled veterans (which may be facilitated by those within the PLA who are already unhappy with Xi -- and there are thousands of them, such as those who were hurt by Xi's move to separate PLA from commercial activities), they could form a formidable force capable of challenging Xi's leadership," he writes. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-why-pla-soldiers-are-eyeing-the-galwan-valley-301185">India-China standoff: Why PLA soldiers are eyeing the Galwan valley</a>

"Significantly, the CCP leadership cannot afford to undermine the veterans' potential to launch a collective and armed anti-regime action. Hence, the continuing incidence of veterans' protests, despite significant coercive pressure and bureaucratic measures, is a source of intense anxiety for Xi Jinping and the CCP leadership," he adds.

Jianli cited the recent example of the recent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops at Galwan Valley, during which both sides suffered casualties.

When asked to confirm the number of casualties China had suffered in the recent clash in the Galwan Valley, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian did not acknowledge that there were casualties on the Chinese side, saying "I have no information to offer."

Yet again, when the question was posed the next day (June 23), Zhao avoided giving any details from the Chinese side, but was quick to retort that Indian media reports claiming that at least 40 Chinese soldiers were killed was "false information".

"Even a week after the incident, China has refused to publicly admit that there had been casualties on its side, while India paid the last homage to its martyrs with full state honours," Jianli states.

Jianli is of the view that at the root of this fear is the simmering resentment running in the hearts and minds of 57 million veterans of China's PLA.

He explains that veterans are holding frequent mass protests across China hoping to shame the government into recognising its obligation towards those who battled along the country's borders in the past.

"If this is the treatment meted out by the CCP regime to the martyrs of today, imagine the plight of PLA veterans, many of whom had participated in the bloody 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War or the Korean War. They have been holding frequent mass protests across China for years now, hoping to shame the government into recognizing its obligation toward those who battled along the country's borders in the past," he says.

Jianli says the country which has the world's largest army, does not have a central agency to administer pensions and other benefits to its veterans. Resultantly, veterans are forced to depend on local governments for pensions, medical care and other basic benefits.

"However, due to wide disparity in the financial standings of the local governments, there is no standard or uniformity in what the veterans receive. After having given their youth and shed blood for the country, the veterans find themselves left by the CCP to the mercy of often corrupt local officials, making them feel like donkeys slaughtered after they are too old to work a grindstone," he adds.

Disgruntled retired and serving Chinese Army cadres, who are hurt by the treatment meted out by the government, can launch an "armed" anti-regime action against Xi Jinping's government, said Jianli Yang, a Chinese dissident and son of a former Communist Party leader.

Disgruntled retired and serving Chinese Army cadres, who are hurt by the treatment meted out by the government, can launch an "armed" anti-regime action against Xi Jinping's government, said Jianli Yang, a Chinese dissident and son of a former Communist Party leader. Also read: India to bar Chinese companies from highway projects including in joint ventures, says Nitin Gadkari In an opinion piece in The Washington Post, Jianli Yang, the founder and president of Citizen Power Initiatives for China, writes that Beijing fears that the admitting that it had lost troops, that too more in number than its opponent, could lead to major domestic unrest that can even put the regime of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at stake. Also read: What should India do now to fight China's provocations? "The PLA has long been a key pillar of the CCP's power. If the sentiments of the serving PLA cadres are hurt and they get together with the millions of disgruntled veterans (which may be facilitated by those within the PLA who are already unhappy with Xi -- and there are thousands of them, such as those who were hurt by Xi's move to separate PLA from commercial activities), they could form a formidable force capable of challenging Xi's leadership," he writes. Also read: India-China standoff: Why PLA soldiers are eyeing the Galwan valley "Significantly, the CCP leadership cannot afford to undermine the veterans' potential to launch a collective and armed anti-regime action. Hence, the continuing incidence of veterans' protests, despite significant coercive pressure and bureaucratic measures, is a source of intense anxiety for Xi Jinping and the CCP leadership," he adds. Jianli cited the recent example of the recent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops at Galwan Valley, during which both sides suffered casualties. When asked to confirm the number of casualties China had suffered in the recent clash in the Galwan Valley, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian did not acknowledge that there were casualties on the Chinese side, saying "I have no information to offer." Yet again, when the question was posed the next day (June 23), Zhao avoided giving any details from the Chinese side, but was quick to retort that Indian media reports claiming that at least 40 Chinese soldiers were killed was "false information". "Even a week after the incident, China has refused to publicly admit that there had been casualties on its side, while India paid the last homage to its martyrs with full state honours," Jianli states. Jianli is of the view that at the root of this fear is the simmering resentment running in the hearts and minds of 57 million veterans of China's PLA. He explains that veterans are holding frequent mass protests across China hoping to shame the government into recognising its obligation towards those who battled along the country's borders in the past. "If this is the treatment meted out by the CCP regime to the martyrs of today, imagine the plight of PLA veterans, many of whom had participated in the bloody 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War or the Korean War. They have been holding frequent mass protests across China for years now, hoping to shame the government into recognizing its obligation toward those who battled along the country's borders in the past," he says. Jianli says the country which has the world's largest army, does not have a central agency to administer pensions and other benefits to its veterans. Resultantly, veterans are forced to depend on local governments for pensions, medical care and other basic benefits. "However, due to wide disparity in the financial standings of the local governments, there is no standard or uniformity in what the veterans receive. After having given their youth and shed blood for the country, the veterans find themselves left by the CCP to the mercy of often corrupt local officials, making them feel like donkeys slaughtered after they are too old to work a grindstone," he adds.

China fears admitting Galwan valley casualties may lead to unrest: Dissident

Is Tibet the new front in the standoff between India and China? WION's Palki Sharma tells you how China is stepping up its activities in Tibet, and how India can respond.

Gravitas: India-China standoff | Is Tibet the new front?

French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly has written to India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoling the death of 20 Indian soldiers near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Galwan Valley, French diplomatic sources said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-galwan-valley-has-become-a-flashpoint-between-india-and-china-307270">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Galwan Valley has become a flashpoint between India and China</a>

According to the Diplomatic sources Florence Parly has written in the letter that “This was a hard blow against the soldiers, their families and the nation. In these difficult circumstances, I wish to express my steadfast and friendly support, along with that of the French armed forces. I request you to kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the entire Indian armed forces as well as to the grieving families,”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/third-round-of-talks-between-india-china-military-commanders-begins-along-lac-309575">Also read: Third round of talks between India, China military commanders begins along LAC</a> 
 
Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a tense standoff along the LAC, especially in Ladakh sector, where both sides have deployed thousands of additional troops.

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Defence and strategic ties between India and France have been on an upswing in the last few years. India is likely to receive on July 27 the first batch of six Rafale fighter jets from France. The jets are expected to significantly boost the combat capability of the Indian Air Force.

(With inputs from agencies)

French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly has written to India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoling the death of 20 Indian soldiers near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Galwan Valley, French diplomatic sources said on Tuesday.

French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly has written to India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoling the death of 20 Indian soldiers near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Galwan Valley, French diplomatic sources said on Tuesday. Also Read: Why Galwan Valley has become a flashpoint between India and China According to the Diplomatic sources Florence Parly has written in the letter that “This was a hard blow against the soldiers, their families and the nation. In these difficult circumstances, I wish to express my steadfast and friendly support, along with that of the French armed forces. I request you to kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the entire Indian armed forces as well as to the grieving families,”. Also read: Third round of talks between India, China military commanders begins along LAC Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a tense standoff along the LAC, especially in Ladakh sector, where both sides have deployed thousands of additional troops. Defence and strategic ties between India and France have been on an upswing in the last few years. India is likely to receive on July 27 the first batch of six Rafale fighter jets from France. The jets are expected to significantly boost the combat capability of the Indian Air Force. (With inputs from agencies)

French Defence Minister Florence Parly writes to Rajnath Singh, condoles death of 20 Indian soldiers at Galwan valley clash

China reinforced its troops near the Indian border with mountain climbers and martial arts fighters shortly before a deadly clash this month, state media reported.

China reinforced its troops near the Indian border with mountain climbers and martial arts fighters shortly before a deadly clash this month, state media reported. Tensions are common between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in the mountainous border terrain, but this month's fighting was their deadliest encounter in over 50 years. Five new militia divisions including former members of a Mount Everest Olympic torch relay team and fighters from a mixed martial arts club presented themselves for inspection at Lhasa on June 15, official military newspaper China National Defense News reported. State broadcaster CCTV showed footage of hundreds of new troops lining up in the Tibetan capital. Tibet commander Wang Haijiang said the Enbo Fight Club recruits would "greatly raise the organization and mobilization strength" of troops and their "rapid response and support ability," China National Defense News reported, although he did not explicitly confirm their deployment was linked to ongoing border tensions. Chinese and Indian troops clashed later that day in the most violent confrontation between the two powers in decades, in the Ladakh region 1,300 kilometres away. India says 20 of its own soldiers were killed in brutal hand-to-hand combat that day, while China suffered an unknown number of casualties. Both sides have blamed each other for the battle, which was fought with rocks and batons without any shots fired. India said Thursday that it had reinforced troops in the contested Himalayan border region, saying it was matching a similar buildup by China. Chinese state media have in recent weeks highlighted military activity including high-altitude anti-aircraft drills in the Tibet region bordering India. The new troops were recruited with the aim of "strengthening the border and stabilizing Tibet," China National Defense News said. India claims Chinese troops ambushed Indian soldiers and forced them down a ridge where they had gone to remove a Chinese "encroachment". A bilateral accord prevents the use of guns, but the fighting was still fierce, with rudimentary weapons. China has, in turn, accused Indian soldiers of twice crossing the Line of Actual Control, the unofficial boundary, provoking its troops. The two countries fought a war over the border in 1962. There is an understanding between the nuclear-armed neighbours that their troops in the disputed and inhospitable region will not use firearms.

China sent martial artists to India border before deadly clash: Report

Air surveillance was increased on Ladakh LAC after India-China face-off. Watch this video to know more.

Air surveillance increased on Ladakh LAC after Galwan face-off

The adventurism of China in Ladakh and a few other places along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the&nbsp;standoff between Chinese and Indian Forces have&nbsp;once again highlighted the complexity of the border issue between the two countries.

The fact that 22 rounds of special representative-level talks have taken place between India and China in the last 30 years,&nbsp;and the resolution of the border issue is nowhere in sight, speaks of the magnanimity of the problem. LAC, irrespective of differing perceptions, continues to be a compromise formula,&nbsp;which has its own pitfalls in bringing peace and tranquillity, because perceptions can be repeatedly stretched beyond limits&nbsp;if the intentions change, as has been the case with Chinese so many times. The idea of managing peace and tranquillity through agreements and&nbsp;Confidence-building measures (CBMs) has not been found effective enough.

Defining the Complexity of China-India Border Issue &nbsp;&nbsp;

People's Republic of China refused to ratify the Simla Agreement of 1914, signed between British India and Tibet. The Indian stance generally follows Johnson Line (1865) in Ladakh and McMahon Line in East. When Maharaja Hari Singh signed Instrument of Accession, Aksai Chin was part of it; hence, it rightfully belonged to India. India should have compelled China to accept the Shimla Agreement before recognising Tibet as part of Beijing. There is, therefore, no mutually agreed border treaty between Independent India and PRC. China can never be trusted, and hence, India can also have a relook at old treaties/recognitions with China. &nbsp;

It is often mentioned that China has resolved its border dispute with several other countries, however, Chinese argue that it was done on give and take principle. India and China interpret history as it suits them, which is unlikely to change easily. Expecting India to give Tawang or China to give back Akshai Chin is unlikely to be accepted by domestic constituencies on both sides. It is for this reason that every time when the talks start on border resolution, it invariably ends with additional measures for the management of undefined, LAC. &nbsp;

Why is Graceful Disengagement along the LAC Difficult?&nbsp;

LAC, by definition, indicates loosely demarcated areas under the actual control of Chinese and Indian Forces. The term was used by Zhou Enlai in his note to Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959, followed by respective positions in 1960 and post 1962 conflict, with some unheld areas in between, and later used for negotiations since 1993, with a provision that it does not impact respective positions adopted by both countries on unresolved Border Issue. Both countries have their own perception of LAC and in certain areas these perception overlap. As LAC is not demarcated, Chinese, with scant regards to international agreements and obligations, use non-demarcation as an opportunity to pursue their ‘Strategy of Incremental Encroachment’ by laying fresh claims (Galwan Valley) and following it up with troops buildup/infrastructure development till resisted and stop just short of conflict. An opposing build-up by Indian Forces leads to ‘Standoff' each time.&nbsp;

The problem in the resolution of standoff is that a graceful retreat becomes extremely difficult due to rising sentiments/ nationalism in respective countries and media glare, thus increasing the political cost of any compromise by either side. Galwan/Pangong Tso is neither the first nor the last standoff between the two countries as&nbsp;the demarcation of LAC is doable, provided both sides “Agree to Agree”. Chinese, however, continue to drag their feet in doing so, as they fear that it will become de facto border, forcing them to forego their claims made in 1959, including Tawang and take away an opportunity to needle India, whenever it has any major divergence in strategic interests. Having developed their infrastructure up to LAC earlier than India, China does not want to let go of this comparative strategic advantage by denying similar infrastructure development by India. &nbsp;

In my opinion, the delimitation and demarcation of LAC will happen only, when the political/strategic cost of not doing so will increase for China. It could happen when China faces insurmountable military pressure on South-Eastern seaboard from a group of countries, in response to Chinese adventurism in Indo-Pacific. China, having recovered early from COVID-19, has unfairly used it as an opportunity to make quick gains in claimed areas amidst pandemic and unfair profiteering from ‘Health Silk Road’ igniting global anger. Chinese aggressiveness in South and East China Sea, blocking of global sea-lane of communication and freedom of flights, coupled with a declaration of independence by Taiwan can create such conditions, along with economic decoupling, resulting in internal dissent in the mainland, Hong Kong, and heightened rivalry with the US with accidental triggers. &nbsp;

China, on its part, will try to stop its adventurism just short of war, in consonance with Sun Tzu’s principle of ‘winning without fighting’. India will have to walk an extra mile in Indo-Pacific engagements like QUAD, and target all vulnerabilities of China, in coordination with&nbsp;like-minded countries. Till then China and India will continue with a tug of war along the&nbsp;LAC.&nbsp;

&nbsp;(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) &nbsp;

The adventurism of China in Ladakh and a few other places along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the standoff between Chinese and Indian Forces have once again highlighted the complexity of the border issue between the two countries.

The adventurism of China in Ladakh and a few other places along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the standoff between Chinese and Indian Forces have once again highlighted the complexity of the border issue between the two countries. The fact that 22 rounds of special representative-level talks have taken place between India and China in the last 30 years, and the resolution of the border issue is nowhere in sight, speaks of the magnanimity of the problem. LAC, irrespective of differing perceptions, continues to be a compromise formula, which has its own pitfalls in bringing peace and tranquillity, because perceptions can be repeatedly stretched beyond limits if the intentions change, as has been the case with Chinese so many times. The idea of managing peace and tranquillity through agreements and Confidence-building measures (CBMs) has not been found effective enough. Defining the Complexity of China-India Border Issue People's Republic of China refused to ratify the Simla Agreement of 1914, signed between British India and Tibet. The Indian stance generally follows Johnson Line (1865) in Ladakh and McMahon Line in East. When Maharaja Hari Singh signed Instrument of Accession, Aksai Chin was part of it; hence, it rightfully belonged to India. India should have compelled China to accept the Shimla Agreement before recognising Tibet as part of Beijing. There is, therefore, no mutually agreed border treaty between Independent India and PRC. China can never be trusted, and hence, India can also have a relook at old treaties/recognitions with China. It is often mentioned that China has resolved its border dispute with several other countries, however, Chinese argue that it was done on give and take principle. India and China interpret history as it suits them, which is unlikely to change easily. Expecting India to give Tawang or China to give back Akshai Chin is unlikely to be accepted by domestic constituencies on both sides. It is for this reason that every time when the talks start on border resolution, it invariably ends with additional measures for the management of undefined, LAC. Why is Graceful Disengagement along the LAC Difficult? LAC, by definition, indicates loosely demarcated areas under the actual control of Chinese and Indian Forces. The term was used by Zhou Enlai in his note to Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959, followed by respective positions in 1960 and post 1962 conflict, with some unheld areas in between, and later used for negotiations since 1993, with a provision that it does not impact respective positions adopted by both countries on unresolved Border Issue. Both countries have their own perception of LAC and in certain areas these perception overlap. As LAC is not demarcated, Chinese, with scant regards to international agreements and obligations, use non-demarcation as an opportunity to pursue their ‘Strategy of Incremental Encroachment’ by laying fresh claims (Galwan Valley) and following it up with troops buildup/infrastructure development till resisted and stop just short of conflict. An opposing build-up by Indian Forces leads to ‘Standoff' each time. The problem in the resolution of standoff is that a graceful retreat becomes extremely difficult due to rising sentiments/ nationalism in respective countries and media glare, thus increasing the political cost of any compromise by either side. Galwan/Pangong Tso is neither the first nor the last standoff between the two countries as the demarcation of LAC is doable, provided both sides “Agree to Agree”. Chinese, however, continue to drag their feet in doing so, as they fear that it will become de facto border, forcing them to forego their claims made in 1959, including Tawang and take away an opportunity to needle India, whenever it has any major divergence in strategic interests. Having developed their infrastructure up to LAC earlier than India, China does not want to let go of this comparative strategic advantage by denying similar infrastructure development by India. In my opinion, the delimitation and demarcation of LAC will happen only, when the political/strategic cost of not doing so will increase for China. It could happen when China faces insurmountable military pressure on South-Eastern seaboard from a group of countries, in response to Chinese adventurism in Indo-Pacific. China, having recovered early from COVID-19, has unfairly used it as an opportunity to make quick gains in claimed areas amidst pandemic and unfair profiteering from ‘Health Silk Road’ igniting global anger. Chinese aggressiveness in South and East China Sea, blocking of global sea-lane of communication and freedom of flights, coupled with a declaration of independence by Taiwan can create such conditions, along with economic decoupling, resulting in internal dissent in the mainland, Hong Kong, and heightened rivalry with the US with accidental triggers. China, on its part, will try to stop its adventurism just short of war, in consonance with Sun Tzu’s principle of ‘winning without fighting’. India will have to walk an extra mile in Indo-Pacific engagements like QUAD, and target all vulnerabilities of China, in coordination with like-minded countries. Till then China and India will continue with a tug of war along the LAC. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

Why the resolution of border dispute between China and India is complicated?

US-based space technology company Maxa Technologies has published satellite images that show road construction and Chinese Military resources at the disputed border area between India and China. Watch report.

India-China standoff: US space firm releases photographs of LAC and patrol point 14

India and China on Wednesday agreed to ensure expeditious implementation of the understanding on disengagement of troops from eastern Ladakh as decided in a meeting of senior military commanders on June 6.

The two sides held diplomatic talks through video conference. The talks were held between Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs Naveen Srivastava and Director General in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao.

However, China has significantly ramped up its military presence in several other key sectors along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.

On Sunday, the Indian government gave the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC.

The Army has already sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border in the last one week.&nbsp;The IAF has also moved a sizeable number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 aircraft and Apache attack helicopters to several key air bases including Leh and Srinagar following the clashes.

Meanwhile, the Chinese regime is still blaming India for escalating tensions and it has once again claimed sovereignty over the Galwan valley.

Amid China's rhetoric and lies also came a confession. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian accepted that construction of roads and bridges on the Indian side of the border was the reason behind China's aggression.

These contrasting statements only discredit everything that China has been saying. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maintaining-peace-and-tranquility-along-sino-india-border-in-common-interests-of-both-parties-china-308242">Also Read: Maintaining peace and tranquility along Sino-India border in common interests of both parties: China</a>

China has been in occupation of Tibet since 1951 and the Tibetan government is in exile in India. Now with China's unprecedented aggression towards India, there's a growing sentiment among Indian citizens to call the border by its rightful name - the Indo-Tibet border.

From anti-China sentiments to anti-China decisions, reports have emerged that custom officials in Chennai have held Chinese shipments for extra checks. However, there is no official order from the government yet. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-india-is-slowly-but-surely-boycotting-china-308083">Also Read: How India is slowly, but surely, boycotting China</a>

The Galwan clash has indeed been a turning point in India-China relations. If the anti-China sentiments in India are anything to go by, it may very well be a breaking point. 
 
(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

India and China on Wednesday agreed to ensure expeditious implementation of the understanding on disengagement of troops from eastern Ladakh as decided in a meeting of senior military commanders on June 6.

India and China on Wednesday agreed to ensure expeditious implementation of the understanding on disengagement of troops from eastern Ladakh as decided in a meeting of senior military commanders on June 6. The two sides held diplomatic talks through video conference. The talks were held between Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs Naveen Srivastava and Director General in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao. However, China has significantly ramped up its military presence in several other key sectors along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand. On Sunday, the Indian government gave the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC. The Army has already sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border in the last one week. The IAF has also moved a sizeable number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 aircraft and Apache attack helicopters to several key air bases including Leh and Srinagar following the clashes. Meanwhile, the Chinese regime is still blaming India for escalating tensions and it has once again claimed sovereignty over the Galwan valley. Amid China's rhetoric and lies also came a confession. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian accepted that construction of roads and bridges on the Indian side of the border was the reason behind China's aggression. These contrasting statements only discredit everything that China has been saying. Also Read: Maintaining peace and tranquility along Sino-India border in common interests of both parties: China China has been in occupation of Tibet since 1951 and the Tibetan government is in exile in India. Now with China's unprecedented aggression towards India, there's a growing sentiment among Indian citizens to call the border by its rightful name - the Indo-Tibet border. From anti-China sentiments to anti-China decisions, reports have emerged that custom officials in Chennai have held Chinese shipments for extra checks. However, there is no official order from the government yet. Also Read: How India is slowly, but surely, boycotting China The Galwan clash has indeed been a turning point in India-China relations. If the anti-China sentiments in India are anything to go by, it may very well be a breaking point. (With inputs from PTI)

India-China standoff: Situation along the LAC continues to remain grim

Gravitas: Galwan Face-Off: Why China won't share its casualty numbers Several claims are floating around China's casualty numbers. But, China is yet to release how many of its soldiers died in the face-off at the Galwan Valley.

Gravitas: Galwan Face-Off: Why China won't share its casualty numbers

Amid tensions at the border, the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India and China border affairs is set to hold a virtual meet to discuss border tensions between the two countries.

India, China to hold diplomatic talks today amid tensions along LAC

Amid tensions at the border, the&nbsp;Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India and China border affairs is set to&nbsp;hold a virtual meet&nbsp;to discuss border tensions between the two countries. &nbsp;

Watch Video:

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The talks are set to be headed by joint secretary-level officials from both sides.&nbsp; The talks will be held today between Naveen Srivastava, joint secretary(East Asia) and Wu Jianghao, director-general in the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs.&nbsp;

This is the second diplomatic level talks this month after the first took place on June 5.

The consultation and coordination mechanism was established in 2012 for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity between the two countries.

The meet is set to be conducted through a video link.

India and Chinese military commanders had taken part in talks along the Line of Actual Control on Monday which lasted to eleven hours. Both sides had decided to disengage after clashes at the border had left 20 Indian soldiers dead last week at Galwan Valley.

Amid tensions in the area, India's Army chief MM Naravane visited the Leh in order to review the situation at the border.

Amid tensions at the border, the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India and China border affairs is set to hold a virtual meet to discuss border tensions between the two countries. Watch Video: The talks are set to be headed by joint secretary-level officials from both sides. The talks will be held today between Naveen Srivastava, joint secretary(East Asia) and Wu Jianghao, director-general in the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs. This is the second diplomatic level talks this month after the first took place on June 5. The consultation and coordination mechanism was established in 2012 for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity between the two countries. The meet is set to be conducted through a video link. India and Chinese military commanders had taken part in talks along the Line of Actual Control on Monday which lasted to eleven hours. Both sides had decided to disengage after clashes at the border had left 20 Indian soldiers dead last week at Galwan Valley. Amid tensions in the area, India's Army chief MM Naravane visited the Leh in order to review the situation at the border.

India, China to hold diplomatic talks amid tensions along LAC

Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane will visit Ladakh to meet the injured soldiers and review the force preparedness as well as the deployment across the Line of Actual Control with China.

Indian Army Chief Gen Naravane to meet injured soldiers in Ladakh today

The Indian Army has made a significant change in Rules of Engagement (ROE) after the Galway Valley skirmish that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. It has now given “complete freedom of action” to commanders deployed along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) to “handle situations at the tactical level.”

India-China border tensions: Troops are no longer bound to not using firearms

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that authorities were now conducting 18,000 tests per day.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-445-deaths-14821-new-cases-in-last-24-hours-307576">Also Read: India records 445 deaths, 14,821 new cases in last 24 hours</a>

The Delhi chief minister said that earlier just 5,000 tests were being conducted while asserting that "now people will not face any issues in getting tested".

"Our country is fighting two wars against China - one at the border and another against the virus from China. We have to remain united to fight both, none of these should be politicised," Kejriwal said through a video link.

"Our 20 brave soldiers did not back down, we also will not retreat and will win both the wars," Kejriwal asserted.

Kejriwal said that people under home isolation will be provided with pulse oximeters to measure their oxygen levels in just a few hours.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Delhi had reported 3,000 coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 59,746. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 2,175 after 63 deaths were reported. According to health officials, 33,013 patients have recovered from the virus.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia had earlier discussed key strategies with home minister Amit Shah on making contact tracing more robust and further strengthening of medical services in areas severely impacted by the virus in the capital.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that authorities were now conducting 18,000 tests per day.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that authorities were now conducting 18,000 tests per day. Also Read: India records 445 deaths, 14,821 new cases in last 24 hours The Delhi chief minister said that earlier just 5,000 tests were being conducted while asserting that "now people will not face any issues in getting tested". "Our country is fighting two wars against China - one at the border and another against the virus from China. We have to remain united to fight both, none of these should be politicised," Kejriwal said through a video link. "Our 20 brave soldiers did not back down, we also will not retreat and will win both the wars," Kejriwal asserted. Kejriwal said that people under home isolation will be provided with pulse oximeters to measure their oxygen levels in just a few hours. On Sunday, Delhi had reported 3,000 coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 59,746. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 2,175 after 63 deaths were reported. According to health officials, 33,013 patients have recovered from the virus. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia had earlier discussed key strategies with home minister Amit Shah on making contact tracing more robust and further strengthening of medical services in areas severely impacted by the virus in the capital.

Our country is fighting two wars against China - at the border & against the virus: Kejriwal

China lost at least 40 of its soldiers in the violent clash in Galwan Valley in the western Himalayas, VK Singh, the minister for roads and transport, said on Saturday China has not said anything about the casualties in the hand-to-hand combat in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.

China lost at least 40 of its soldiers in the violent clash in Galwan Valley in the western Himalayas, VK Singh, the minister for roads and transport, said on Saturday China has not said anything about the casualties in the hand-to-hand combat in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. "If 20 were martyred on our (Indian) side, then there would have been at least double the casualties on their (China) side," V.K.Singh, the minister for roads and transport, told TV News24 in an interview broadcast late on Saturday. Singh, who is a former army chief, said China historically never accepted any war casualties including in the 1962 conflict with India. China's state-controlled Global Times said earlier there had been casualties on the Chinese side but did not elaborate. Singh said the Indian side had handed over Chinese troops who had strayed into Indian territory after the violent standoff. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has criticised China for escalating border tensions with India.

China lost at least 40 soldiers in border clash: VK Singh

The armed forces deployed along the 3,500-km de-facto border with China have been given "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure, government sources said after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation in eastern Ladakh at a meeting with the top military brass on Sunday.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

India has already mobilised fighter jets and sent thousands of additional Army troops to forward locations along the border with China after 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in a brutal attack by Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on June 15.

The clash in Galwan Valley, the worst cross-border violence in 45 years, significantly frayed ties between the two countries, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi sending a strong message to China that India wants peace but if provoked, India is capable of giving a befitting reply.

In the meeting on Sunday, Singh told the top military officers to maintain a strict vigil on Chinese activities around the land border, the airspace and in strategic sea lanes, the sources said.

Following the Galwan incident, military sources said Indian troops will no longer be bound by the long-held practice of not using firearms in faceoffs.

The armed forces were told to be fully ready to give a befitting reply to any Chinese misadventure, the sources said, adding a "tough" approach is being adopted to guard the border.

Seventy-six Indian soldiers were also injured in the Galwan Valley clash. China's People's Liberation Army has not yet talked about the number of casualties it suffered.

The sources said the armed forces have been given full freedom to deal with any act of aggression by China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto border between the two countries.

The two armies had mutually decided not to resort to use firearms during face-offs in sync with provisions of two agreements on border management. The agreements were signed in 1996 and 2005.

"Henceforth, our approach will be different. The ground commanders have been given full freedom to take decisions depending on the situation," a top military official told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

The IAF has already moved a sizeable number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 aircraft and Apache attack helicopters to several key air bases including Leh and Srinagar in the last five days.

The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of eastern Ladakh since May 5 when their troops clashed on the banks of the Pangong Tso.

The situation in eastern Ladakh deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on May 5 and 6. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9.

Prior to the clashes, both sides had been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it was necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

Singh's review of the situation in eastern Ladakh came a day before he embarks on a three-day visit to Russia to attend a grand military parade in Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War.&nbsp;

The armed forces deployed along the 3,500-km de-facto border with China have been given "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure, government sources said after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation in eastern Ladakh at a meeting with the top military brass on Sunday.

The armed forces deployed along the 3,500-km de-facto border with China have been given "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure, government sources said after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation in eastern Ladakh at a meeting with the top military brass on Sunday. The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria. India has already mobilised fighter jets and sent thousands of additional Army troops to forward locations along the border with China after 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in a brutal attack by Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on June 15. The clash in Galwan Valley, the worst cross-border violence in 45 years, significantly frayed ties between the two countries, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi sending a strong message to China that India wants peace but if provoked, India is capable of giving a befitting reply. In the meeting on Sunday, Singh told the top military officers to maintain a strict vigil on Chinese activities around the land border, the airspace and in strategic sea lanes, the sources said. Following the Galwan incident, military sources said Indian troops will no longer be bound by the long-held practice of not using firearms in faceoffs. The armed forces were told to be fully ready to give a befitting reply to any Chinese misadventure, the sources said, adding a "tough" approach is being adopted to guard the border. Seventy-six Indian soldiers were also injured in the Galwan Valley clash. China's People's Liberation Army has not yet talked about the number of casualties it suffered. The sources said the armed forces have been given full freedom to deal with any act of aggression by China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto border between the two countries. The two armies had mutually decided not to resort to use firearms during face-offs in sync with provisions of two agreements on border management. The agreements were signed in 1996 and 2005. "Henceforth, our approach will be different. The ground commanders have been given full freedom to take decisions depending on the situation," a top military official told PTI on the condition of anonymity. The IAF has already moved a sizeable number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 aircraft and Apache attack helicopters to several key air bases including Leh and Srinagar in the last five days. The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of eastern Ladakh since May 5 when their troops clashed on the banks of the Pangong Tso. The situation in eastern Ladakh deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on May 5 and 6. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9. Prior to the clashes, both sides had been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it was necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Singh's review of the situation in eastern Ladakh came a day before he embarks on a three-day visit to Russia to attend a grand military parade in Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War.

Armed forces told to forcefully deal with Chinese aggression along LAC

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