New Delhi: The 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs concluded in the Indian capital, yielding significant progress in efforts to ease tensions along the line of actual control (LAC). The talks, held on Thursday here in the capital, were marked by a constructive dialogue aimed at building on previous agreements and facilitating disengagement in contentious areas.
The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, joint secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs (foreign ministry), while the Chinese delegation was headed by Hong Liang, director general of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department in Beijing. Both sides reiterated their commitment to resolving outstanding issues along the LAC and ensuring peace and stability in border areas.
The discussions during the meeting focused on implementing prior agreements and identifying further steps to de-escalate tensions, particularly in eastern Ladakh, a region that has witnessed heightened friction since the 2020 Galwan valley clash. A joint statement highlighted the need to sustain progress achieved in recent disengagement efforts and maintain regular communication through diplomatic and military channels.
The foreign ministry noted the “frank and forward-looking” nature of the talks, while emphasizing India’s stance on restoring the status quo ante along the LAC as of April 2020. China’s foreign ministry later issued a statement acknowledging agreements to stabilize the border situation and prevent future escalations.
The WMCC mechanism, established in 2012, has served as a vital forum for dialogue between the two nations amid the recurring border disputes. While recent engagements have helped reduce friction in some areas, several key regions remain contentious. Notably, India has rejected Beijing’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh, reinforcing its sovereignty over the state and dismissing Chinese assertions as baseless.
Observers point out that these talks occur amid broader strategic shifts in Asia, where both nations are vying for influence. From India's perspective, sustained peace along the border is critical for pursuing its domestic and regional objectives without security distractions.
The two sides agreed to hold further WMCC sessions and military commander-level talks to address unresolved issues. The Indian government remains cautiously optimistic about the progress, underscoring the importance of actions that translate into tangible outcomes on the ground.
While the talks represent a positive step, experts warn that the road ahead remains fraught with challenges, requiring sustained engagement and mutual trust to achieve lasting peace along the LAC.
