In a strong and clear message to neighbouring China, India has stated that maintaining peace and stability at the border is absolutely essential for strengthening and improving bilateral relations. This major statement was issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday, noting that discussions between the two nations are continuously ongoing regarding the pending issues along the Line of Actual Control with China. This stance from the Indian government comes at a time when various discussions are taking place at different levels regarding patrolling activities and military deployments in the border regions. The Ministry of External Affairs also highlighted that whenever Chinese military forces deviate from the previously agreed patrolling modalities, the ground situation changes, compelling India to adjust its patrolling modalities accordingly.
Statements on LAC patrolling modalities and military movements
A detailed clarification was issued by the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the patrolling by Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control. The ministry clarified that both countries are consistently making efforts to fully resolve the remaining and pending issues along the LAC, while On top of that, existing diplomatic and military mechanisms are being extensively utilized to prevent any kind of misunderstanding and miscalculation between the two sides. A consensus has also been reached between both parties to discuss ways to improve the understanding of the LAC in suitable areas to ensure better border management. The Ministry of External Affairs strongly emphasized that the overall development of bilateral relations is heavily dependent on maintaining peace and tranquility in the border regions.
Background of the controversy and ITBP Director General's claims
Diplomatic and political discussions on this entire matter escalated when the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, made a significant statement during a public event. Addressing the troops, he stated that a tense situation continues to persist along the India-China border. The ITBP chief further revealed that even currently, troops of both sides are positioned face-to-face in several locations across Arunachal Pradesh, while praising the remarkable performance demonstrated by our Shaurya Commando teams deployed at the specific locations, he lauded their exemplary operational capabilities. Following the emergence of these claims and statements by the ITBP Director General, diplomatic circles became active and a debate erupted in the media regarding the ground realities along the border.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal's press conference
Responding to a sharp query related to the claims made by the ITBP Director General, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the weekly press conference on Friday and provided a comprehensive response, while addressing the media, Randhir Jaiswal explicitly stated, as far as the detailed description of this specific issue is concerned, I would urge you to seek information from the Ministry of Defence. However, clarifying the diplomatic front, he stated that as we've mentioned earlier as well, whenever Chinese forces deviate from previously agreed patrolling modalities, the situation in the India-China border areas tends to deteriorate from time to time.
Continuous utilization of diplomatic and military mechanisms
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson further added in his address that both India and China are utilizing existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve the remaining issues on the Line of Actual Control and to avoid any misunderstanding and miscalculation. Both sides have also agreed to discuss ways to improve the understanding of the LAC in appropriate areas for better border management. Concluding his remarks, the spokesperson reiterated that India remains fully vigilant regarding its sovereignty and security, while keeping the channels of diplomatic dialogue open to preserve regional stability and foster constructive engagement.