‘Moscow agreement’ issued to diminish the stand-off

On Feb 26, 2021

New Delhi: India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday hold a discussion with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi over the implementation of their ‘Moscow Agreement’ on the border standoff in eastern Ladakh. He also reviewed the status of disengagement.

A five-point agreement was reached between Jaishankar and Wang at a meeting in Moscow on September 10 last year on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave.

The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the Line of Actual Control.

“Spoke to State Councilor & Foreign Minister Wang Yi this afternoon. Discussed the implementation of our Moscow Agreement and reviewed the status of disengagement,” the minister tweeted

Spoke to State Councilor & Foreign Minister Wang Yi this afternoon. Discussed the implementation of our Moscow Agreement and reviewed the status of disengagement.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 25, 2021

The first-ever joint statement was issued by the countries India and China after the war-like condition at the Ladakh border in the year 2020 when India was also fighting with Coronavirus which came through China. The statement was issued in a meeting between Jaishankar and Wang in Moscow. They also talked about promoting the work over the new set of confidence-building measures (CBMs) after the stand-off comes into control.

Also, another meeting was held between India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe in Russia.

During the visit to Moscow, Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla also mentioned Russia handling the tensions between India and China.

The conversation between the ministers was held days after Indian and Chinese troops disengaged at Pangong Tso in Ladakh. The 10th round of corps commanders meeting between India and China was held on February 20.

For the resolution of the stand-off at Depsang Plains, Gogra Post, Hot Springs, and Demchok discussion is still going on between the Asian giants.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that both the countries had a “candid and in-depth exchange of views” on the issues over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western sector.