International

IIE Digital Desk : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on Friday to work for "expeditious de-escalation" along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, according to a statement issued by the Indian government. The two leaders spoke on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in South Africa. The statement said that they had a "frank and in-depth exchange of views" on the situation in Ladakh.

"Both sides agreed that the current situation should not be allowed to become a source of disturbance in the overall relationship," the statement said. The statement did not provide any specific details about how the de-escalation would be achieved. However, it said that the two leaders had agreed to "maintain communication and dialogue" on the issue.

The India-China border dispute in Ladakh has been simmering for many years. However, tensions escalated in May 2020, when Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Galwan Valley. The two sides have since held several rounds of talks to defuse the situation. However, no breakthrough has been achieved so far. The agreement between Modi and Xi is a positive development. However, it remains to be seen how it will be implemented. The two sides will need to show flexibility and goodwill if they are to achieve a lasting de-escalation in Ladakh.