India, China begin military talks to end Ladakh standoff

India cannot meet China half way in the disengagement process as the country has to maintain troops for the protection of territory, an official source said, as the sixth round of Corps Commander-level talks began yesterday, aimed at ending the five-month-long standoff along the disputed boundary in Ladakh.

The talks began around 9:30 am on the Chinese side at Moldo, a defence source said.

The Indian side was led by Lt. Gen. Harinder Singh, 14 Corps Commander.

According to official sources, India's agenda at the talks is that China must withdraw from all friction points, with timeline for de-induction of mechanised and motorised divisions, and withdrawal of Chinese forces from Depsang to Pangong Tso and free and unhindered access to Indian forces to all patrol points.