New Delhi: India and China held constructive and forward looking discussions in Beijing on the situation along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, as both countries continued efforts to stabilise and gradually normalise bilateral relations after years of military tensions.
The discussions took place during a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on border affairs, where officials from both nations reviewed the overall situation in the border regions and discussed measures aimed at maintaining peace and stability along the frontier.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved in maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas. The two countries noted that improved stability along the border has helped create conditions for gradual normalisation of overall diplomatic and political relations.
India and China have been engaged in multiple rounds of military and diplomatic dialogue since relations deteriorated sharply following the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020. The standoff in eastern Ladakh continued for more than four years before both sides began disengagement efforts at several friction points.
During the latest talks, the two countries also agreed to work towards substantive preparations for the next meeting of the Special Representatives mechanism, which is scheduled to be held in China. Last year, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held Special Representatives level talks in New Delhi focused on border management, confidence building measures and improving communication mechanisms.
The Indian delegation at the WMCC meeting was led by Sujit Ghosh, while the Chinese side was headed by Hou Yanqi. During his visit, Ghosh also met senior Chinese officials, including Liu Jinsong and Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.
A major breakthrough in disengagement efforts came in October 2024 when both sides finalised agreements concerning the Depsang and Demchok regions, the last remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh. Shortly afterwards, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Kazan and agreed on steps to improve bilateral ties.
India has repeatedly maintained that future relations with China must be based on mutual trust, respect and sensitivity while ensuring continued peace along the border.
