India tells China to sincerely engage in restoring peace at border

The Ministry of External Affairs today told China to sincerely engage with India with the objective of expeditiously restoring peace in border areas through complete disengagement and de-escalation in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols.

New Delhi: India on Thursday strongly urged China to sincerely engage with the objective of expeditiously restoring peace in border areas through complete disengagement and de-escalation.

Addressing a virtual press briefing, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "It is clear that the situation we witnessed over the past four months is a direct result of the actions taken by China that sought to unilaterally change status quo on LAC."

"We strongly urge China to sincerely engage with India with the objective of expeditiously restoring peace in border areas through complete disengagement and de-escalation in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols," he added.

He further highlighted the Centre's position on the developments post the attempt by Chinese troops to unilaterally change the status quo in the South bank of Pangong Lake on the night of August 29 and early morning of August 30.

Stating that the ground commanders are still holding discussions to resolve the situation, Srivastava reiterated the consensus reached between the two foreign ministers and special representatives that the situation in the border should be handled in a responsible manner and either side should not take any provocative action or escalate matters.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached Russia's capital Moscow to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting. Singh will also meet Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu in Moscow and several other top military officials with an aim to expedite implementation of a number of procurement programmes.

Read:Border standoff 'direct result' of Chinese action: MEA

Various such multilateral meetings of SCO are scheduled by India with an aim to resolve the ongoing conflicts. The plan for the meetings by the government indicates it is still pursuing both strategic formations despite rising tensions at the LAC with China.

Further, the MEA spokesperson also officially informed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the SCO foreign ministers' meeting in Moscow which is scheduled on September 10.

However, regarding the External Affairs Minister's meeting with his Chinese counterparts in Moscow, Srivastava said that nothing has been decided on the same.

While responding on the Kulbhushan Jadhav issue, the spokesperson said that India is in touch with Pakistan through diplomatic channels and the government is taking all steps to ensure the safety of Kulbhushan Jadhav.

This comes after Pakistani media reported that the Islamabad High Court on Thursday gave India another opportunity to appoint a counsel for Kulbhushan Jadhav. The Islamabad High Court adjourned the matter till October 6.

"We believe for a free and fair trial in keeping with the letter and spirit of International Court of Justice judgment, we have asked for Jadhav to be represented by an Indian lawyer," Srivastava said.

Read:Indian, Chinese Brigadiers hold talks in open area in Chushul

It is pertinent to note that India is also looking forward to holding quadrilateral Group Ministerial meeting later this year, the details of which are being worked out as informed by the Ministry.

Later, commenting on the Centre's decision to ban 118 more mobile apps, including PUBG and others, the MEA said that internet companies operating in the country must abide by the rules and regulations put forth by the Government of India.

"India has one of the most open regimes for FDI in the world; this includes internet companies and digital technology companies. However, they have a responsibility to abide by rules and regulations issued by the Government of India," the MEA spokesperson added.

The Centre had on Wednesday accused the apps of engaging in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity, defence and security of the country.