The over two-month long stand-off between India and China in Doklam has ended as both countries have withdrawn their troops from the area. India said, the process of disengagement of border personnel at the face-off site has been completed under verification.
Responding to queries on the understanding of the disengagement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, India has always maintained that differences on such matters can be addressed only through diplomatic channels. He said, peace and tranquility in the border areas is an essential pre-requisite for further development of India-China bilateral relationship. The development is being seen as a big diplomatic breakthrough for India ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China for BRICS Summit.
Meanwhile, the government briefed the opposition yesterday on the easing of Doklam standoff. Sources said, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and other party leaders. Mrs Swaraj also spoke to other opposition leaders, informing them about the development.
The Congress has welcomed and supported the understanding between India and China. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team for getting the better of China in the standoff.
