India and China have been having discussions through established diplomatic and military channels to address the situation along the LAC in the India China border areas. The spokesperson said, the senior Commanders of the two sides had met on 6th, 22nd and 30th June.

Diplomatic engagements are also continuing in parallel and last week on 24th June a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination, WMCC on India China border affairs was also held. The senior commanders meeting held on 30th June at Chushul was the third senior military commander level engagement to discuss issues related to disengagement at the face off site along the LAC and de-escalation from the border areas.

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, both sides have emphasised the need for an expeditious, phased and step wise de-escalation as a priority. This is in keeping with the agreement between External Affairs Minister and his Chinese counterpart during their conversation on 17th June that the overall situation would be handled in a responsible manner and that both sides would implement the disengagement understanding of 6th June sincerely. The discussion in the latest meetings of senior commanders reflected the commitment of both sides to reduce the tensions along the LAC. The two sides will continue their meetings both at the military and diplomatic levels including under the framework of WMCC in the future to resolve the issue to mutual satisfaction. The spokesperson said, India expects the Chinese side to sincerely follow up and ensure the expeditious restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas.

Replying to queries on banning of apps, Mr Srivastava said that naturally while operating in India, they have to abide by Indian rules and regulations issued by the relevant Ministries and Departments, including those pertaining to data security and privacy of individual data. He said, India will continue to welcome foreign investments in India, including in the area of internet technologies, but this will have to be in accordance with the rules and regulatory framework established by the Government. He added that India has one of the most open regimes in the world for attracting Foreign Direct Investment.

In the last few years, Government has taken a host of measures for creating of a more investor-friendly regime.  Similarly in the area of digital technology and internet, India has adopted a very open regime. He said, India is today one of the world’s largest markets for digital and internet technologies with more than 680 million subscribers. The world’s largest software and internet applications companies are present in India.