16th round of talks between India and China on border dispute inconclusive

New Delhi. During the 16th round of military talks between India and China, an agreement could not be reached to resolve the remaining issues related to the border dispute in eastern Ladakh. However, it has been agreed to continue the dialogue between the two countries to find a mutually acceptable solution to these issues at the earliest. This agreement was reached during the 16th round of talks between the armies of the two countries on Sunday.

According to a joint statement issued by the armies of India and China, it has been reaffirmed that the resolution of the pending issues will help in restoring peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the region and between the two countries. There will also be progress in bilateral relations.

According to official sources, during the military talks, India asked China to withdraw troops at the earliest from all remaining places of standoff in eastern Ladakh and also sought restoration of the status quo before the start of the military standoff in April 2020.

The joint statement said the two sides agreed to maintain security and stability along the land border in eastern Ladakh and to remain in “close contact” and to continue dialogue through military and diplomatic channels. Significantly, both the countries have deployed 50 to 60 thousand soldiers on the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.