Chinese deviations from patrolling patterns disturb LAC from time to time, India says

New Delhi: The situation in the India-China border areas gets disturbed from time to time when Chinese forces diverge from established patrolling patterns, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Both sides continue to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve outstanding issues and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the line of actual control (LAC), the MEA spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, said at his biweekly media briefing on Friday evening.

The two sides have also agreed to discuss ways to improve understanding of the LAC in appropriate areas for better border management, Jaiswal said. Maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations, he added.

Briefing reporters on the external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Baku, Jaiswal said it followed the meeting between the prime minister, Narendra Modi, and the Azerbaijani president, Ilham Aliyev, on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek. Jaishankar called on Aliyev and discussed advancing various aspects of the bilateral relationship, conveying greetings from Modi. The Azerbaijani leadership reciprocated.

In what Jaiswal described as productive talks with the Azerbaijani foreign minister, the two sides agreed to deepen political consultations and exchange visits, including trade visits. They also agreed to build on the strong cultural understanding between the two countries.

The ministers discussed ways to strengthen the economic partnership, promote investment, improve connectivity and expand energy cooperation. They also shared perspectives on regional and global developments, including making global governance structures more in sync with contemporary realities.

India welcomed the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and congratulated Baku on successfully hosting the CICA summit. Discussions also covered security, terrorism and common threats, and both sides agreed to cooperate for peace, prosperity and security.

Jaishankar thanked the Azerbaijani foreign minister for hosting Indian students. He also appreciated Baku’s assistance in evacuating Indian citizens from Iran through Azerbaijan a few months ago.

On Iran, Jaiswal said India has facilitated, and continues to facilitate, the transport of life-saving medicines as a humanitarian gesture. The ongoing regional conflict has posed challenges to flight connectivity, and India remains in communication with its Iranian counterparts.

On Indian nationals abroad, the MEA said it is in touch with 14 Indian nationals whose yacht was reported hit by a projectile off the Yemeni coast and reiterated that the government remains committed to the welfare and safety of Indians overseas. In Saudi Arabia, Indian nationals remain in touch with the embassy, which is coordinating with them and working to facilitate the early return of pilgrims through available flights.

Indian missions in France, Belgium and other European countries are closely monitoring developments and maintaining regular contact with Indian nationals in the wake of mass protests and unrests. They have been advised to remain alert and exercise caution while going out, particularly in areas where protests are taking place.

India would like to increase its defence exports, in line with the philosophy of the Make in India initiative, Jaiswal said. He emphasized that all defence exports are carried out in accordance with India’s national laws, guidelines and international obligations.