India and China engaged in a fresh round of diplomatic discussions in Beijing, aiming to enhance border management and facilitate the resumption of key exchanges, including the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. The talks, held under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC), were described as positive, constructive, and forward-looking. Both sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and explored measures to implement recent high-level agreements, reflecting a broader effort to stabilize bilateral relations.
The discussions were centered on the implementation of decisions taken by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during their Special Representatives (SR) dialogue in December. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that India and China agreed to work together in preparing for the upcoming SR meeting, which is set to take place in India later this year.
Both nations emphasized the need to maintain peace and stability along the LAC, recognizing its critical role in fostering overall bilateral ties. The review also covered the situation in eastern Ladakh, where approximately 50,000 to 60,000 troops from each side remain stationed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently noted that while differences between India and China are natural, deeper cooperation would be mutually beneficial and contribute to global stability.
In December, Doval’s visit to Beijing marked a significant step in reviving dialogue mechanisms, a decision that was originally made during a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October. The WMCC meeting continued these efforts, focusing on border control and cross-border cooperation, particularly regarding trans-border rivers and religious pilgrimages like the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra.
The Indian delegation at the talks was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the MEA, while Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed the Chinese team. Additionally, Das met with Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei, further reinforcing diplomatic engagement.
China’s foreign ministry also released a statement acknowledging the constructive nature of the discussions, highlighting the commitment of both sides to implementing agreements reached during the December SR dialogue. The two countries expressed readiness to take effective measures to maintain peace along the border and ensure smooth preparations for the next SR meeting.
These talks followed a visit to Beijing by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during which he held discussions with his Chinese counterpart. India has maintained that normalization of ties with China is contingent upon maintaining peace in the border areas.
With the recent completion of the disengagement process in Demchok and Depsang, Indian and Chinese militaries have resumed patrolling in these areas after nearly four and a half years.
