New Delhi: Amidst the ongoing broder tensions along the Line of Actual Control, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said China should sincerely work with India for complete disengagement from all "friction" areas.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India hoped the Chinese side would strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and not make further attempts to "unilaterally" change the status quo.
"The Chinese side should sincerely work with the Indian side for complete disengagement at the earliest from all friction areas including Pangong Tso lake," Srivastava said.
At a media briefing, the MEA spokesperson also referred to the consensus arrived at separate meetings between defence ministers and foreign ministers of the two countries in Moscow on September 4 and September 10 respectively.
"There was consensus between the ministers of the two sides, during both the meetings, that there should be quick and complete disengagement of troops from all friction areas along the LAC," Srivastava said.
Read: India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan: MEA
"Both sides should, therefore, focus on easing tensions in the friction areas by refraining from any actions that may lead to an escalation in the situation. This requires strict adherence to the bilateral agreements and protocols and not making unilateral attempts to change the status quo," he said.
The situation eastern Ladakh deteriorated after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.
India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions.
Read: Chinese construction activities spotted near Uttarakhand border
India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following China's transgression attempts.
Following China's fresh attempts to change the status quo in the southern bank of Pangong lake, India has further bolstered its military presence in the region.
(With inputs from PTI)
