India and China engaged in discussions on cross-border cooperation, including trans-border rivers and the resumption of the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage, during a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs in Beijing on Tuesday.
The meeting marked ongoing efforts to normalize bilateral ties following an understanding reached last October to end the military standoff in Ladakh. It also followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks highlighting the importance of India-China cooperation for global stability and prosperity.
Positive and Constructive Talks
According to the External Affairs Ministry, the discussions took place in a “positive and constructive atmosphere.” The two sides exchanged views on the early resumption of cross-border exchanges, including the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, which was last conducted in 2020, and data sharing on trans-border rivers.
Besides these, India and China also deliberated on strengthening border management mechanisms and maintaining diplomatic and military dialogue. They further agreed to work towards substantial preparations for the next meeting of the Special Representatives, scheduled to be held in India later this year.
Border Management and LAC Review
The meeting also reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), with both sides reiterating that peace and tranquillity at the border are crucial for overall bilateral relations. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) Gourangalal Das, while the Chinese side was represented by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of China’s Foreign Ministry.
China’s Foreign Ministry echoed India’s statement, calling the discussions “positive, constructive, and forward-looking.” The Indian delegation leader also met China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.
Progress on Military Standoff and Diplomatic Engagements
India-China relations have been strained since the April-May 2020 border skirmishes in Ladakh and the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June that year, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops.
Following multiple rounds of WMCC and senior military commander talks, both countries withdrew frontline forces from friction points at Pangong Lake, Gogra, and Hot Springs. On October 21, 2023, an understanding was reached on disengagement at the remaining points of conflict in Demchok and Depsang.
Subsequently, Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Kazan, Russia, on October 23, agreeing to revive diplomatic mechanisms to resolve border disputes and normalize relations. Since then, several high-level meetings, including between Special Representatives and foreign and defense ministers, have taken place.
India’s Stand on Bilateral Relations
In a recent podcast, PM Modi acknowledged the tensions caused by the 2020 LAC incidents but emphasized that differences between neighboring countries should not escalate into disputes. He reiterated the importance of India-China cooperation for global stability.
China’s Foreign Ministry responded positively to Modi’s remarks, expressing Beijing’s willingness to work with New Delhi to rebuild bilateral ties.
Sources By Agencies
