Dushanbe, Tajikistan (TIP): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Dushanbe. The two leaders discussed the disengagement in the border areas.

“Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for the development of bilateral ties,” Jaishankar tweeted.

The two leaders discussed the border tensions and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in border areas. They also exchanged views on global developments.

Jaishankar emphasised that India doesn’t subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory. It’s also essential that China doesn’t view its relations with India through the lens of a 3rd country.”

“During his meeting with Chinese FM, EAM S Jaishankar underlined that it was necessary to ensure progress in the resolution of remaining issues so as to restore peace and tranquillity along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

During their meeting, EAM S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi agreed that “military and diplomatic officials of both sides should meet again and continue their discussions to resolve the remaining issues (along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh) at the earliest, it added.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

More than 12 rounds of military talks and a series of diplomatic parleys were held between India and China, but the tensions still continue.