Chinese attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh starting from April-May 2020 seriously disturbed the peace and tranquility in border areas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a report on Monday. It said these attempts were invariably met with an “appropriate response” from Indian armed forces.
India’s engagement with China is “complex” despite some progress in border talks and the two sides have agreed that pending the final settlement of the boundary question, maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas is an essential basis for the overall development of the bilateral relationship,” the MEA’s annual report for 2022 said.
The MEA’s 352-page report indicated that complete disengagement from “all friction points” and full restoration of peace and tranquillity along the LAC is yet to be achieved.
On Pakistan, the rport said, it is yet to show sincerity in delivering justice to the families of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It stated India’s desire to establish normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and while expressing concern over its alleged sponsoring of cross-border terrorism and attempts to “vilify” New Delhi.
“Pakistan is yet to show sincerity in delivering justice to the families of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks as it continued to engage in obfuscation and dilatory tactics. Despite our persistent urging that Pakistan respect its January 2004 commitment of not allowing its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India, there was no let-up in cross-border terrorism, infiltration and illegal smuggling of arms into India across the LoC and International Boundary,” the MEA report said.
