NEW DELHI, Aug 20 - India and China on Thursday agreed to resolve outstanding issues in an �expeditious manner� and in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said after the two sides held a fresh round of diplomatic talks on the border standoff in eastern Ladakh.
MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the two sides had a �candid and in-depth� exchange of views on the existing situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The virtual talks were held under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs.
�The two sides were in agreement that restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas would be essential for the overall development of bilateral relations,� Srivastava said at an online media briefing.
He said both sides reaffirmed to sincerely work towards complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC in the western sector in accordance with the agreements reached between the two foreign ministers as well as Special Representatives.
Meanwhile, in a swift turn of events, the government is looking to bar Chinese firms from participating in government contracts in the sensitive power sector, especially for procurement of digital products that are prone to malware threats.
Sources in the government said that already global bidding has been barred for public procurement of upto Rs 200 crore, and more specific restrictions may be imposed on use of Chinese gear in the critical power sector.
A blanket ban on use of sensitive digital equipment from China by the power sector may also be looked at but a decision on this is pending, said the source quoted earlier.
The power ministry has already put restrictions on imports as such proposals will now be vetted by it before permission is given. Also, individual digital equipment would be scrutinised for malware before being allowed inside Indian territory.
Besides, power companies have been told to source locally in all categories where domestic capabilities exist. � Agencies
