The site of the standoff at Chumur in Ladakh after Chinese incursion
Almost two weeks after the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Chumur in Ladakh at the border, there are signs of a resolution after China's People's Liberation Army on Tuesday asked for another flag meeting at Chushul with Indian commanders.
"Diplomacy is at work quietly. We are confident that border security is in good hands," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said today.
For over a week, 1000 Chinese and 1500 Indian soldiers have been ranged against each other on Indian territory, but since last night some reduction has taken place on the Chinese side, sources said.
India has decided to take its time before agreeing to meet the Chinese. Top sources say India is likely to respond only after a meeting tomorrow called by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, with Army Chief General Dalbir Suhag, representatives of the Research and Analysis Wing, Intelligence Bureau, ITBP and other stakeholders.
Two previous meetings held before Chinese President Xi Jinping's India visit had failed to break the deadlock.
The row at Chumur is a result of Chinese attempts to build a road, which India strongly objected to. Chinese soldiers entered Indian territory with heavy construction equipment and a large labour force.
India then sent its forces to the area, resulting in an eyeball to eyeball confrontation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the incursions twice with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Though President Xi assured that he had asked his soldiers to back down, there was no visible change.
China has dismissed speculation linking a statement by President Xi on Sunday urging Chinese armed forces to be ready for a "regional war" to India, saying it was a "wild guess".
The Chinese president was quoted by the Xinhua news agency as saying, "Headquarters of all People's Liberation Army forces should improve their combat readiness and sharpen their ability to win a regional war in the age of information technology."