China and India hold further round of border talks along disputed frontier

The two sides met to discuss a ‘complete disengagement’ along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh

The border dispute has rumbled on for decades, with a deadly clash taking place in the Galwan Valley in June 2020

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An Indian paramilitary soldier stands guard at check post along a highway leading to Ladakh. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 10:18pm, 21 Feb 2024Updated: 11:44pm, 21 Feb 2024

China and India completed another round of their marathon border talks this week, the two sides announced on Wednesday.

The 21st round of corps commander-level talks were held on Monday at the Chusual-Moldo meeting point on the Line of Actual Control.

Monday’s negotiations sought a “complete disengagement” along the line in Eastern Ladakh, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

China’s Ministry of Defence said the commanders had agreed to look for a mutually acceptable solution “at the earliest possible time” and to “turn the page” – echoing language used during separate talks in November.

China described the talks as “positive, in-depth and constructive”, while India said they had been “held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere”.

Both sides said they had agreed to keep communicating through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms. In the interim, they were committed to maintaining peace on the ground in the border areas.