India on Wednesday said peace and tranquillity on the border was the “prerequisite” for bilateral ties even as military sources denied any withdrawal of forces from Doklam. The official response from the External Affairs Ministry came after China, in a detailed 15-page official statement, reiterated Beijing’s claim on the Doklam region, and indicated India had scaled down its operation.
“India’s position on this issue and related facts have been articulated in our press statement of June 30, 2017. India considers that peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China,” the Ministry said.
Military sources said there had been no reduction in the presence of troops in the Doklam. At least 300 soldiers and 30 tents continued to remain in Doklam, the sources said.
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In its June 30 statement, India said its forces had intervened in Doklam in the “tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest” with Bhutan.
Indian actions followed after the Foreign Ministry of Bhutan said laying a motorable road by China in Doklam was a violation by China.