India and China renewed diplomatic dialogue this week, conducting what Beijing termed “candid” talks on the border scenario in Eastern Ladakh. The discussions under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) centred on the execution of previous agreements and restoring normalcy along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Both nations were pleased with the continuation of peace in the border regions and reconfirmed to meet once more later this year in India to further advance bilateral relations.
Both Sides Discuss Previous Agreements
Both sides discussed previous agreements during the WMCC meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday. The officials from both countries took a look at the results of the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) on the India-China Boundary Question. The intention behind this was to make agreed steps smooth and lay the groundwork for the next SR round of talks.
China reported that the talks constituted in-depth exchanges of views on these past choices. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) repeated the same and reported that both sides had indicated satisfaction with the overall climate of peace along the border areas.
Next Round of Talks Later This Year
India and China have decided to conduct the 24th SR-level meeting later this year. The session will carry on the momentum of talks and provide a platform for further momentum. The move indicates a shared willingness to keep channels of communication open at diplomatic and military levels.
The talks also emphasized the importance of keeping regular contact through official channels to prevent any escalation on the LAC.
Who Conducted the Talks?
Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the MEA, headed the Indian side. Hong Liang, Director General of the Department of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs, led the Chinese side. Both sides urged the need for constant contact in sustaining the slender peace in Eastern Ladakh.
Although India and China have withdrawn troops from some of the friction points in the last year, both nations continue to keep a large military presence in the region. The WMCC talks are among initiatives aimed at easing tensions gradually and bringing normalcy to the border in full measure.
Standoff Since 2020
The latest WMCC round follows a six-month-long military standoff which commenced in May 2020 in Eastern Ladakh. Even though both sides have achieved progress on easing near-term tensions, complete resolution is yet to be reached.
The diplomatic talks are intended to avoid further incidents and prepare the ground for long-term stability along the contested border.
