Bangalore, Apr 24 (IANS): Negotiations with China were going on at various levels to resolve the stand-off over the incursion of its troops in Ladakh region, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Wednesday.

"Our government will take every step to protect the national interest and the country's security. Negotiations are going on at various levels to resolve the issue," Antony told reporters on the sidelines of the release of the Congress manifesto.

He declined to speak further on the issue.

Indian and Chinese local military commanders had Tuesday held a flag meeting for the second time to resolve the stand-off over incursion by Chinese troops into the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh.

Chinese troops have set up a post inside Indian territory, about 10 km from the LAC, the de-facto border between India and China. The Chinese had set up the post April 15.

India has asked Beijing to maintain the status quo that existed before the April 15 intrusion.