New Delhi, May 28
India and China have held “constructive” and “forward-looking” discussions on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, with both sides noting progress in maintaining peace and stability along the disputed frontier. The talks took place during a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) in Beijing on Wednesday, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“The discussions were constructive and forward looking,” the MEA said, adding that both sides reviewed the border situation and expressed satisfaction over the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in recent months.
Officials said continued stability along the LAC had helped support gradual normalisation of broader bilateral relations, which had been severely strained following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.
During the meeting, the two sides also agreed to prepare for the next round of talks between Special Representatives (SRs), which is scheduled to be held in China.
The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) Sujit Ghosh, while the Chinese side was headed by Hou Yanqi, Director General in the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of China’s foreign ministry.
As part of broader engagements, Ghosh also met Liu Jinsong and made a courtesy call on Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.
The MEA said both sides discussed issues related to border management, delimitation, institutional mechanisms and cross-border cooperation. India also called for an early meeting on trans-border rivers at expert level.
Officials said both countries agreed to maintain regular diplomatic and military communication through established mechanisms, including outcomes from earlier Special Representative talks.
India and China have been gradually working to stabilise ties after tensions peaked following the 2020 border clashes. In recent months, both sides have completed disengagement at several friction points, including Depsang and Demchok in late 2024.
Diplomatic engagement has also picked up at the highest levels, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan and earlier interactions at the SCO summit in Tianjin.
While both sides continue to manage differences, officials said the latest talks reflected a cautious effort to restore stability along the disputed frontier.
