Doval tells Wang LAC disengagement a must, could visit China after ‘immediate issues’ resolved

During delegation-level talks at the South Block, India made it clear that continuation of the present situation is not in mutual interest.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the South Block, in New Delhi on 25 March. | Photo: ANI

New Delhi: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval Friday told visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that there is a need to push for early and complete disengagement at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for bilateral ties to return to their natural course.

During delegation-level talks at the South Block in the national capital, India made it clear that continuation of the present situation is not in mutual interest, sources in the defence and security establishment told ThePrint.

The discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and the nearly two-year-old LAC stand-off in eastern Ladakh was the key focus, they added.

Sources said the Chinese side invited NSA Doval to visit China to take forward the mandate of Special Representatives on border issues.

Doval responded positively to the invitation and said that “he could visit after immediate issues are resolved successfully”, the sources said.

Details about the meeting

Giving details of what transpired in the meeting, sources said India emphasised the need for maturity and sincerity to deal with the border situation.

The “need to take forward early and complete disengagement in remaining areas and to remove impediments to allow the bilateral relationship to take its natural course” was stressed, said a source.

The Indian side said restoration of peace and tranquillity will help build mutual trust and create an enabling environment for progress in relations.

The need to continue positive interactions at diplomatic and military levels for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is a prerequisite for normalisation, was also mentioned.

Both sides agreed that it should be ensured that actions do not violate the spirit of equal and mutual security. They also agreed to work in the same direction and resolve outstanding issues as quickly as possible, added sources.