India and China engaged in discussions on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Thursday, aiming to bridge differences and expedite resolutions to outstanding issues. The 31st meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs, held in Beijing, provided a platform for this dialogue.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the “frank, constructive, and forward-looking exchange of views” between the two delegations. The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary for East Asia in the MEA, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary & Ocean Affairs Department in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the significance of restoring peace and tranquility along the LAC as a cornerstone for normalizing bilateral relations. The MEA statement emphasized that “restoration of peace and tranquillity, and respect for the LAC are the essential basis for restoration of normalcy in bilateral relations.”
Following the guidance of the foreign ministers’ meetings in Astana and Vientiane in July to accelerate discussions, and building on the previous WMCC meeting held in Delhi in July, both delegations exchanged viewpoints on the LAC situation. Their objective was to minimize differences and expedite solutions to outstanding issues.
To achieve these aims, India and China agreed to intensify contact through diplomatic and military channels. They also committed to jointly upholding peace and tranquility on the ground in border areas, aligning with existing bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached between the two governments.
The leader of the Indian delegation, Mr. Das, also met with the Vice Minister in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This meeting further underscores the ongoing efforts to resolve the LAC issue through dialogue and cooperation.
