India refuses Trump’s offer to mediate, says it is working with China to resolve the issue peacefully

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday, mentioned that India is currently engaged with China through diplomatic and military channels to resolve the issue along the boundaries of Sikkim and Ladakh.

Mr. Srivastava ruled out any role for a third party to mediate between the two countries indicating that India would not accept US President Trump’s offer. He added that the two countries are engaging to peacefully resolve the issue.

“India is committed to the objective of maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas with China and our armed forces scrupulously follow the consensus reached by our leaders and the guidance provided. At the same time, we remain firm in our resolve to ensuring India’s sovereignty and national security.”, Mr. Srivastava said.

The MEA’s comments come against the backdrop of China’s Ambassador to India calling the situation as “stable and controllable”. Mr. Sun Weidong had said the two sides pose no threat to each other and should “never let the differences shadow the overall bilateral cooperation”.

Mr. Srivastava did not specifically address if the Chinese troops remained in Indian areas, particularly in the Galwan valley located in the Aksai China area. He said that the issue would be resolved according to the five agreements signed by India and China between 1993 and 2013.