India, China hold first meeting of working mechanism on border affairs

New Delhi, Mar. 6 (ANI): The first meeting of the working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs was held in Beijing on March 5 and 6.

A Ministry of External Affairs release said that the Indian delegation was led by Gautam Bambawale, Joint Secretary (East Asia), and comprised of representatives of the Ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs and Defence as well as members of the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

The Chinese delegation was led by Deng Zhonghua, Director General, Department of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and comprised of representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Defence of the People's Republic of China.

On the sidelines of the talks, the Indian delegation also called on Fu Ying, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The talks were held in a constructive and forward looking atmosphere with the common objective of continuing to maintain peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas.

The two delegations agreed on the rules governing the functioning of the mechanism which include convening 1-2 meetings a year, and if required, holding of emergency consultations either through meetings or by telephone/ video conferencing.

The two delegations reviewed the situation prevailing in the India-China border areas and noted the adherence by both sides to the various agreements for maintenance of peace and tranquility.

At the same time they stressed the need for continuing efforts towards this objective and discussed additional confidence building measures between the two sides. hey also discussed the possibility of an alternate route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and additional items for border trade at Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.

The second meeting of the working mechanism will be held in India at a mutually agreed time. (ANI)