Did US Play A Role In Easing Tensions Between India & China? What State Department Said

New Delhi: As India and China completed the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, the United States said that it welcomes any reduction in tension along the India-China border and noted that it has been briefed by New Delhi in this regard. However, the US asserted that it had no role in the resolution of the border standoff. "We are closely following the developments (between India and China). We understand that both countries have taken initial steps to withdraw troops from friction points along the Line of Actual Control. We welcome any reduction in tensions along the border," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference on Tuesday.Responding to a question, Miller said that the US has played no role in this. "We have talked to our Indian partners and been briefed on it, but we did not play any role in this resolution," Miller said. The disengagement at the two sectors began a few days ago after India announced an agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, ending the over four-year military standoff. Disengagement, which has been completed at both Depsang and Demchok sectors, mainly involves removing infrastructure and withdrawing troops from both sides.The border standoff between India and China, which began in 2020 in eastern Ladakh along the LAC, was triggered by Chinese military actions and led to a prolonged strain on bilateral relations. But, ahead of PM Narendra Modi's Kazan visit earlier this month, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that India and China have reached at an agreement regarding the LAC standoff.