India and China held “frank, constructive, and forward-looking” diplomatic talks on Thursday to address the ongoing situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The primary objective of these talks was to “narrow down” existing differences and expedite the resolution of outstanding issues. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the paramount importance of “restoration of peace and tranquillity, and respect for the LAC” as the foundation for restoring normalcy in bilateral relations between the two nations.
The 31st meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs took place in Beijing, as stated in an MEA press release. The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the MEA, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Ocean Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both sides agreed to jointly uphold peace and tranquillity in the border areas, strictly adhering to relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached by the two governments. The Indian delegation leader also met with the Vice-Minister of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The previous WMCC meeting was held in New Delhi on July 31. Relations between the two countries significantly deteriorated after a fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, marking the most serious military conflict between India and China in decades.
China’s foreign ministry also issued a statement in Beijing after the talks, which was in Chinese. The meeting, according to the statement, was conducted in a positive, friendly, and frank atmosphere. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on the situation along the LAC, aiming to reduce disagreements and expand consensus.
The statement further highlighted an agreement to strengthen dialogue and consultation, address each other’s legitimate concerns, and reach a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible. Both sides also agreed to reinforce the outcomes of the consultations, strictly adhere to border-related agreements and confidence-building measures, and continue their joint efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas.
Finally, the Chinese foreign ministry readout emphasized the commitment of both sides to jointly promote an early resolution of the border situation, aligning with the significant consensus reached recently by the foreign ministers of the two countries. These recent developments mark a crucial step toward easing tensions and fostering a more stable and peaceful relationship between India and China.
