New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic move, India and China convened for high-level discussions in Beijing on March 25, 2025, addressing the long-standing boundary dispute and exploring avenues for enhanced cross-border cooperation. The 33rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs saw both nations reviewing the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and agreeing on steps to resume crucial exchanges.
Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in India’s foreign ministry, led the Indian delegation, while Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of China’s Foreign Ministry, headed the Chinese team. The talks, described as positive and constructive by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), focused on implementing decisions from the December 2024 Special Representatives meeting and advancing effective border management.
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to resume cross-border cooperation, particularly concerning trans-border rivers and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. Both sides committed to strengthening diplomatic and military mechanisms to address LAC-related issues, signaling a mutual desire to improve bilateral relations.
The meeting follows the October 2024 encounter between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, which initiated efforts to restore pre-2020 conditions along the LAC. This latest round of talks builds on the momentum generated by that meeting and subsequent diplomatic engagements.
Prime Minister Modi’s recent optimistic remarks about India-China relations, emphasizing mutual learning and understanding, were welcomed by China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the historical friendly exchanges between the two ancient civilizations and advocating for “dragon-elephant dance” cooperation.
As both nations prepare for the next Special Representatives meeting scheduled in Delhi later this year, this WMCC meeting marks a crucial step in the ongoing process of normalizing relations and addressing border issues between Asia’s two largest powers.
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