India, China finish talks on border mechanism

NEW DELHI: India and China on Saturday concluded their two-day talks on the border mechanism during which they discussed ways to prevent incidents like last month’s standoff between their armies in Ladakh from recurring in future and reached a consensus on early implementation of several CBMs.
After the talks, the external affairs ministry said the confidence building measures (CBMs) include inter alia regular interaction between the Army headquarters and field commands of the two sides; additional border personnel meeting points; and more telecommunication linkages between forward posts of the two sides at mutually agreed locations.
Held under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, the talks focussed on issues pertaining to the maintenance of peace and tranquility on the border.
“These measures are expected to assist in the timely and effective management of situations that may arise on the border,” the ministry said and maintained that the talks were held in a frank and constructive manner.
On India’s part, the Chinese incursion which lasted over three weeks last month in Demchok and Chumar remains a high priority concern and was discussed during the talks, according to sources. pti