PC: Reuters
New Delhi: Amid ongoing disengagement process, India and China on Tuesday held the fourth round of Corps Commanders-level talks at Chushul to work on modalities on the second phase of disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.
The talks which started at 1130 hours, were still on at the time of writing this news.
Almost a month ago, troops of both sides were engaged in violent face-off in the Galwan Valley which left 20 Indian soldiers dead. However, the Chinese side also suffered massive casualties but they have yet not disclose the figures.
As per sources in the defence establishment, the focus is to work out details of further disengagement from the standoff areas and also withdraw the massive deployment by China of troops, tanks, artillery and air defences along the LAC, including at the strategically important Depsang Plains.
Like in previous rounds of talks, the Indian delegation was led by Lt. Gen. Harinder Singh, commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps, and Chinese side by Major General Liu Lin, commander of the South Xinjiang military region.
The earlier round of talks were held on June 6, 22 and 30. While the first two round of talks were held on the Chinese side at Moldo, the third round was held on the Indian side at Chushul.
During the talks, India has consistently maintained restoration of status quo ante of April and complete withdrawal of massive deployment by China along the LAC.
Last week, Indian and Chinese troops completed the first phase of disengagement from standoff areas in Galwan valley, Hot Springs and Gogra and also partial disengagement from Pangong Tso, where Chinese troops moved back from the base of Finger 4 to Finger 5.
However, Chinese troops are still present on the ridge line of Finger 4.
