Peaceful resolution of ‘Dokhlam Issue’ between India-China, says MEA Statement

New Delhi: The External Affairs Ministry has confirmed discussing satisfactory resolution of the Dokhlam Issue with the Chinese Counterpart Wang Yi at the recent trilateral meeting between China and Russia held in New Delhi on December 11.

According to new Agency ANI reports, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met and India’s External Minister Sushma Swaraj, both have ‘expressed satisfaction’ at the Doklam issue which was resolved amicably.

The MEA has issued a statement today which read: “During the meet between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who meet on December 11 in Delhi, the Doklam issue was raised, and both noted the challenge it had posed to their relationship and expressed satisfaction that it was resolved with the disengagement of troops at the face-off site through concerted diplomatic communications.”

Adding, “The peaceful resolution of the Doklam issue reflects political maturity on both sides. While agreeing with this, Sushma Swaraj reiterated that maintenance of peace in border areas is an essential pre-requisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations,” read the statement.

The statement also added Ms. Sushma had underlined the importance of solving the border disputes between the two nations.“The need for approaching our difference with due consideration to each other’s sensitivities and concerns. Both foreign ministers agreed to strengthen strategic communication at all levels, through the established dialogue mechanisms,” the statement read.

Raveesh Kumar, Ministries spokesperson said, “During the meeting between External Affairs Minister and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on December 11 in New Delhi, the issue of Doklam was raised. External Affairs Minister and Chinese Foreign Minister both noted the challenge it had posed to the relationship and both expressed satisfaction that it was resolved with the disengagement of troops at the face-off site through concerted diplomatic communications.”

But the recent news of satisfactory resolution counters Chinese media reports from Beijing which quoted Mr. Wang’s saying, “In 2017, relations between China and India have maintained their momentum of development as a whole. Both sides have made efforts, but they are not very satisfactory,” reports the Hindu.

According to the sources, while discussing the Dokhlam issue at the meeting held recently, Mr. Wang had urged for ‘peaceful resolution’ whereas Ms. Swaraj reiterated on peace and tranquillity in the border areas.