External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his counterpart and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Wang Yi in Astana on Thursday morning during which the two sides engaged in a comprehensive discussion aimed at resolving the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh promptly, with the objective of stabilizing and enhancing bilateral relations.

Jaishankar took to social media platform X to say that the border issue was among the topics discussed during the meeting, which happened on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting.

Jaishankar said, "Discussed early resolution of remaining issues in border areas. Agreed to redouble efforts through diplomatic and military channels to that end. Respecting the LAC  and ensuring peace and tranquility in the border areas is essential. The three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest - will guide our bilateral ties."

The External Affairs Minister emphasized the necessity of intensifying efforts to achieve full disengagement from the remaining areas in Eastern Ladakh. This, he stressed, would be crucial in reinstating peace and calm along the border, thereby clearing the path for normalizing bilateral relations.

Diplomatic relations between India and China soured after the People's Liberation Army forces tried to breach the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The standoff resulted in a tragic loss of 20 Indian soldiers who thwarted the Chinese aggression, with casualties also reported on the Chinese side during intense hand-to-hand combat.

Both countries have since then engaged in numerous rounds of military and diplomatic discussions. India has consistently emphasized that restoring peace and tranquility along the border is crucial for normalizing relations between the two nations.

In March, India and China exchanged viewpoints on achieving complete disengagement and resolving issues along the LAC in the Western sector of the border. Recently, the leaders of both countries shared a cordial handshake and conversation, later posing together for photographs.

Currently, Jaishankar is leading the Indian delegation at the 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Kazakhstan. Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Kazakhstan's deputy foreign minister, Alibek Bakaye.

"Delighted to meet DPM & FM Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan in Astana today. Thanked him for the hospitality and arrangements for the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit. Discussed our expanding Strategic Partnership and India's increasing engagement with Central Asia in various formats. Also exchanged views on regional and global issues," wrote EAM Jaishankar on the event.