India, China agree to reduce tensions after Ladakh clash

NEW DELHI (AFP): India and China have agreed to reduce tensions a week after clashes on their disputed Himalayan border, which left 20 Indian troops dead.

Addressing a press conference, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, “After talks between the top regional military commanders, both sides agreed to take necessary measures to promote cooling of the situation.”

The spokesperson further said, “The holding of this meeting shows that both sides want to deal with their disagreement, manage the situation and de-escalate the situation through dialogue and consultations.”

“The two sides exchanged frank and in-depth views and agreed to maintain dialogue and jointly committed to promoting peace and tranquility in the border areas,” he added.

According to Indian media, the meeting was between Lieutenant General Harinder Singh and Major General Liu Lin, commander of the Tibet Military District.

India has not commented in this regard yet. However, an Indian army source said that after the meeting there was a mutual consensus to disengage.

The sources also informed that ways to reduce frictions in the Ladakh region opposite Tibet were discussed and will be taken forward by both sides.

Earlier on June 15, Indian and Chinese troops engaged in the first deadly clash in at least 45 years. The violence took place at the Galwan valley, where both sides accuse each other of encroaching on their respective territory.

China had claimed that it suffered casualties but has not given more details. However, Indian media reports suggested there were more than 40 casualties on the Chinese side.