Haren
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) endorsed Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi’s recent remarks on Friday, emphasising that there is no discrepancy between their positions regarding the situation along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. This clarification came after Gen Dwivedi’s statement acknowledging a “degree of standoff” between Indian and Chinese forces in the region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a media briefing, said “We do not see any contradiction between what the Army Chief has said and the position we have taken.”
After an agreement on October 21, India and China completed troop disengagement at the remaining friction points in Demchok and Depsang. Subsequently, PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met during the BRICS Summit in Russia on October 23, agreeing to revive bilateral dialogue mechanisms to normalise relations.
In December, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval travelled to Beijing for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, focusing on resolving the boundary dispute.
Earlier this week, Gen Dwivedi remarked that while progress has been made, a “degree” of standoff persists, and both nations need to work towards restoring trust through broader discussions.
After being asked about the Army chief’s remarks, Jaiswal reiterated that the Army and the MEA share a unified approach on this matter. “I would refer to the position taken by the external affairs minister in the parliament. The external affairs minister had made the position very clear with regard to disengagement,” Jaiswal said.
“Where the October 21st understanding is concerned, our objective has been to ensure patrolling as in the past to the relevant patrolling points as well as the resumption of grazing by our civilians as per longstanding practice. This is indeed what we have agreed upon with regard to Depsang and Demchok. The terms of the disengagement agreement reached prior to October 21, 2024, continue to hold in relevant areas in eastern Ladakh,” he added.
Jaiswal highlighted that EAM S. Jaishankar had emphasised the need to address the pending task of de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “When you consider these points, it becomes clear that there is no contradiction between the positions taken,” he said.
Army Chief Describes Situations Along LoC ‘Sensitive But Stable’
Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, in his remarks, described the situation in the region as “sensitive but stable.” He noted that Army corps commanders have been granted authority to handle “trivial” matters or “minor frictions” related to patrolling and grazing, ensuring these issues do not escalate into larger conflicts.
The Army Chief also clarified that there are no formal buffer zones, but a temporary suspension of patrolling in specific areas has been implemented to prevent potential clashes.
Gen Dwivedi added that the Army is anticipating the next meeting of the Special Representatives on the boundary issue between India and China, alongside discussions under the WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination) framework. “We will be going forward based on the guidance coming out from the meetings,” he had stated.
