New Delhi, September 23
A meeting between India and China to end the 13-day-long stand-off at Chumar in southeastern Ladakh proved inconclusive today as both sides failed to agree on terms to de-escalate tension and pull back their respective soldiers from the area. Background diplomacy is, however, under way, sources said.

China has hardened its stance and is in no mood to climb down from its objective of building a road south of “30-R” post. The two sides had agreed not to allow construction in disputed sections of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India is opposed to the construction of the road, which falls in the disputed areas. Both sides have made serious backchannel talks to defuse tension along the LAC. Sources said India’s opinion was to have a gradual time-bound reduction in the number of troops to de-escalate the situation. But Beijing did not commit to the suggestion.

Background meetings were, however, taking place to end the impasse. Under a mechanism available, both sides can pull back from stated positions without ceding ground to the other. The two sides will have to agree to a formula that seems workable for both. The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have been asked to hold ground till the People’s Liberation Army of China withdraws.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju today said India was firm on its position. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was likely to be briefed tomorrow.

In New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said the situation at the border was best handled by those positioned there.