CHINA-Foreign Sec: Modi, Xi Ask Officials To Resolve LAC Dispute Quickly

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, speaking at a press conference at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, states that Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'highlighted India's concerns with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the area of the Actual Line of Control (LAC)". Kwatra confirms that the comments came the sidelines of the BRICS.

• The senior diplomat says that Modi and Xi 'agreed to direct relevant officials to intensify efforts and expeditiously disengage'.
• The disputed border between India and China in the Himalayas remains a long-standing point of contention between the two sides. In recent years skirmishes using melee weapons between troops from both sides have erupted sporadically. A resolution to the LAC issue would allow for a notable reduction in tensions between Beijing and Delhi.
• India's The Hindu reported on 19 Aug that "...two Major General-level talks were held on August 18 as a follow-up to the 19th round of Corps Commander-level talks held earlier this week, officials confirmed. The Corps Commanders-level talks went on for two days this time, an official source said, adding that there were expectations of some breakthrough and forward movement on the ground."