New Delhi prefers bilateralism to mediation by US

New Delhi, May 28

India today said it was diplomatically engaged with China in both Beijing and New Delhi to resolve the troop stand-off in eastern Ladakh.

India also underlined the importance of bilateralism in resolving the problem at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, thus sidestepping the offer for mediation made by US President Donald Trump. The Indian response came shortly after a conference by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during which he did not touch the border flare-up.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastav refuted an earlier claim by the Chinese Foreign Office that Indian troops had intruded into its territory. “India is committed to maintaining peace.… At the same time, we remain firm in our resolve to ensuring our sovereignty,” he said. India and China are also utilising military mechanisms to “peacefully resolve” the situation. — TNS