India and China have agreed to discuss ways to improve their understanding of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in certain areas to strengthen border management and prevent misunderstandings, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that both countries continue to utilise established diplomatic and military mechanisms to address outstanding border issues and prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations along the LAC.
Responding to media queries regarding recent remarks by the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in New Delhi, Jaiswal said that the situation along the India-China border is occasionally disrupted when Chinese forces deviate from established patrolling patterns.
He reiterated that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas remains essential for the overall development of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The agreement to discuss a better understanding of the LAC is aimed at improving border management and reducing the risk of misunderstandings in sensitive areas along the frontier.
INDIA FACILITATING HUMANITARIAN MEDICINE SUPPLIES TO IRAN:
Addressing reports that Iranian aircraft had been denied airspace clearance, the MEA spokesperson said India continues to facilitate the transportation of life-saving medicines to Iran.
Jaiswal noted that the ongoing conflict in the region has created fresh challenges for air connectivity between the two countries. He said New Delhi remains in communication with Iranian counterparts to facilitate the movement of essential medicines as part of its humanitarian efforts.
14 INDIAN NATIONALS SAFE IN YEMEN:
On the incident involving a yacht off the coast of Yemen, Jaiswal confirmed that all 14 Indian nationals involved were safe in Hodeidah.
He said the Ministry had been in contact with the concerned parties and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad.
THOUSANDS OF UMRAH PILGRIMS RETURN TO INDIA:
Providing an update on Indian nationals stranded in Saudi Arabia, the MEA spokesperson said approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned home on available flights.
In addition, more than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims who had bookings on available flights had also returned to India.
Jaiswal said arrangements were being discussed to facilitate the return of the remaining pilgrims at the earliest. The Indian Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia are maintaining contact with those still stranded and providing all possible assistance.
DEFENCE EXPORTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL OBLIGATIONS:
On India’s defence exports, Jaiswal emphasised that all such exports are undertaken in accordance with the country’s national obligations, applicable laws and established guidelines.
The MEA’s statements covered India’s approach to border management with China, humanitarian assistance to Iran, the safety of Indian nationals in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and the regulatory framework governing India’s defence exports.
(Inputs from AIR)
