The Indian Ministry of Defense has reported an agreement to reduce tension on the border with China, although contacts between military commanders continue to try to deactivate the possibilities of escalation in the so-called Royal Line of Control in the Ladaj area, in the Himalayas.
In June, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the worst incidents in 45 years and both sides have mobilized significant military resources to reaffirm their positions in this area located 3,000 meters above sea level.
On Friday, officials from both sides agreed to act with restraint and avoid misunderstandings, explains the Indian Defense Ministry in reference to the eighth round of bilateral contacts.
“The two sides have had a deep and sincere exchange of views on the situation in the Royal Line of Control of the western sector of the border area between India and China,” the Indian statement said.
The contacts will continue at the military and diplomatic level to try to resolve the pending issues and they have also agreed that there will be a new round of contacts shortly.
India and China fought a brief border war in 1962. India disputes China’s control of 38,000 square kilometers of land in Aksai Chin, which it claims is part of Ladaj. Beijing in turn claims 90,000 square kilometers of territory in Arunachal Pradesh, which it considers part of southern Tibet.
