Unprecedented development at LAC to have serious impact on bilateral relations, says MEA

The unprecedented situation at the LAC following the clashes between Indian and Chinese soldiers will have an impact on the bilateral relationship, the ministry of external affairs has said in a statement following the talks with Chinese foreign minister. He said that China should have taken corrective steps. 

After speaking to Chinese foreign minister, EAM S Jaishankar "underlined that this unprecedented development will have a serious impact on the bilateral relationship. The need of the hour was for the Chinese side to reassess its actions and take corrective steps", MEA said in a statement.

Jaishankar said that the two sides should scrupulously and sincerely implement the understanding reached by Senior Commanders on June 6. Troops of both sides should also abide by bilateral agreements and protocols, he said. 

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“They should strictly respect and observe LAC & shouldn't take any unilateral action to alter it,” the statement added. 

The telephonic conversation between the two ministers came after 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in the clashes with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries.

The two sides should follow the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and strengthen the communication and coordination on the proper handling of the border situation through the existing channels so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border area, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

India on Tuesday said the violent face-off between the armies of India and China in eastern Ladakh was the result of an attempt by the Chinese side to unilaterally change the status quo in the region.