India, China to resolve outstanding issues in ‘expeditious manner’: MEA

India and China have agreed on the need to resolve the outstanding issues in an “expeditious manner in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols” during the 11th round of military dialogue in eastern Ladakh to reduce tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to a statement issued by the Indian government on Saturday. “In this context it was highlighted also that completion of disengagement in other areas would pave the way for two sides to consider de-escalation of forces and ensure full restoration of peace and tranquility and enable progress in bilateral relations,” the ministry of external affairs said in the statement.

“The two sides agreed that it was important to take guidance from the consensus of their leaders, continue their communication and dialogue and work towards a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest. They also agreed to jointly maintain stability on the ground, avoid any new incidents and jointly maintain peace in the border areas,” it added. The talks--which were led by Lieutenant General PGK Menon, the commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps--began at 10:30am on Friday on the Indian side of the Chushul-Moldo meeting point.