India and China now have a new hotline in eastern sector

The Indian Army has activated the hotline at Kongra La in North Sikkim, while the Chinese PLA has done so at Khamba Dzong in the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

Coinciding with the People's Liberation Army Day on August 1, India and China have set up a hotline in the eastern sector to "further the spirit of trust and cordial relations along the borders".

The Indian Army has activated the hotline at Kongra La in North Sikkim, while the Chinese PLA has done so at Khamba Dzong in the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

So far, the two countries have established six hotlines, including two each in eastern Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

"The armed forces of the two countries have well-established mechanisms for communication at ground commanders level. These hotlines in various sectors go a long way in enhancing the same and maintaining peace and tranquillity at the borders," the Indian Army said on Sunday.

During the inauguration ceremony, the ground commanders from both armies were present. 

"On the occasion, a message of friendship and harmony was exchanged through the hotline," it said.

A few months back, the troops of two Himalayan giants had a physical faceoff at Naku La in North Sikkim. In the faceoff, several soldiers from both sides were injured. 

Last year too, in May, the two forces had also clashed at Naku La. The incident had happened just days after troops of India and China clashed on the north bank of Pangong Tso in the eastern Ladakh on May 5-6.