India again rejects China’s claim over Galwan, talks today

New Delhi

India has once again rejected China’s claim over Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh even as both sides are expected to hold another round of diplomatic talks on the border row on Friday to thrash out modalities for further de-escalation of tension along the Line of Actual Control.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India remained convinced of the need for maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and resolution of differences through dialogue, but at the same time asserted that the country is committed to ensuring its sovereignty and territorial integrity. At an online media briefing, he said the Line of Actual Control (LAC) must be strictly respected and observed as it is the basis for peace and tranquillity in border areas.

Meanwhile, people familiar with the development said the two sides will hold another online meeting on Friday on the border row under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs.

In the briefing, the MEA spokesperson reiterated that the recent Chinese claims to the Galwan Valley area are “exaggerated and untenable” and that the LAC must be strictly respected and observed as it the basis for peace and tranquillity in the border areas. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday completed withdrawal of its troops from two more face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh in line with a mutually agreed disengagement process with India.

Nepal stops transmission of India’s news channels

Nepal on Thursday stopped the transmission of all Indian private news channels except Doordarshan, accusing them of airing reports hurting the country’s national sentiment. There was no immediate reaction from India on the issue. People familiar with the development said the Nepalese embassy in Delhi apprised its views to the Indian government over coverage of Nepal’s political developments by the Indian channels. The development comes after some Indian channels aired reports critical of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and his government.