India on Friday said it will continue to engage with China to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Dokalam standoff. Briefing media in New Delhi this evening, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar asserted that peace and tranquility on the border is an important pre-requisite for smooth bilateral relationship.
Replying to a media query about recent incident between Chinese troops and Indian border guards in Ladakh, Mr Kumar said, such incidents are not in the interest of either side.
He said, two border personnel meetings, BPMs had taken place between Indian border guards and Chinese troops recently. He said, one BPM had taken place at Chushul on Wednesday and another one at Nathu La a week before.
He, however, emphasised that the incident should not be linked with what is happening in any sector.
The Spokesperson India has not received hydrological data from China this year despite an agreement. He however maintained that it is premature to link it with the recent floods in some
parts of the country.
He said, there is an existing expert-level mechanism, established in 2006, and there are two MoUs under which China is expected to share hydrological data on rivers Satluj and Brahmaputra with India during the flood season from 15th May to 15th October.
He also noted that in view of floods in Bihar, India is closely coordinating with Nepal, both at Centre and state-
level.
Asked about the reported comments of the Japanese Ambassador on Dokalam face off, Mr Kumar said, the remarks speak for themselves. The Japanese ambassador was quoted in media as saying that no country should use unilateral forces to alter the status of Dokalam.
The Spokesperson also welcomed the US’ decision to designate terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen as a foreign terrorist organization and said it reflected the joint commitment of the two countries to firmly deal with terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
He also referred to the US declaring the group’s Pakistan-based chief Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist nearly two months ago. The MEA spokesperson said it is an obligation for everyone to end moral, diplomatic and material support to such internationally designated terror outfits and individuals. He said, no cause or reason can justify continued provision of support, shelter and sanctuary to such entities and individuals in any manner.