In Laos, Wang & Jaishankar discuss ties

“Peace and tranquility on the borders and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations; the two leaders agreed. Both sides must abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached between the two governments in the past,” said the MEA statement.

At the meeting, Jaishankar stressed on the importance of the three mutuals — mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, the statement said.

Both sides will hold an early meeting of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to take the discussions forward. The two ministers also exchanged views on the global and regional situation, the statement said.

During their meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Council meeting in Astana earlier this month, the two had discussed an early resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh, and reiterated their commitment to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations. “Discussed early resolution of remaining issues in border areas. Agreed to redouble efforts through diplomatic and military channels to that end,” Jaishankar had posted on X.

Jaishankar also reaffirmed the importance of fully abiding by bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached between the two governments in the past.

Both Jaishankar and Wang Yi agreed to continue and step-up meetings of the diplomatic and military officials of the two sides to take forward their discussions to resolve the remaining issues at the earliest.

Jaishankar also extended India’s support to Foreign Minister Wang Yi for China’s Presidency of SCO next year.

The bilateral ties between the countries have been strained for four years in the wake of the LAC transgressions and Galwan clashes in 2020.