75% of disengagement problems with China sorted out: Jaishankar
What's the story
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated that approximately 75% of the "disengagement problems" between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh have been resolved.
This statement, made during a speech in Geneva, marks the first time progress has been quantified after four years of negotiations.
However, he highlighted that the "bigger issue" is the increasing militarization of the border.
Diplomatic talks
Doval meets Wang to discuss LAC issues
Shortly after Jaishankar's speech, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Wang Yi, a member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Political Bureau.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in St Petersburg, Russia.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to "review recent efforts toward finding an early resolution of remaining issues along LAC."
Urgent action
Agreement to expedite disengagement process
The MEA statement further revealed that both sides agreed to work urgently and intensify their efforts for complete disengagement in the remaining areas.
Doval conveyed that peace and tranquility in border areas and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations.
This agreement signals a mutual desire to expedite the disengagement process along the LAC.
Upcoming summit
BRICS leaders' summit
The upcoming BRICS leaders' summit, scheduled from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Russia, is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping among other leaders.
The MEA stated that both sides acknowledged the significance of the India-China bilateral relationship not only for their respective countries but also for the region and world.
They also exchanged views on global and regional situations during their meeting.