New Delhi/Beijing, July 25 – India and China held a new round of diplomatic talks on Wednesday under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs, signaling a cautious but ongoing effort to stabilise relations amid lingering tensions.
The meeting took place in New Delhi and marked a key follow-up to the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) on the India-China boundary question.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a press statement issued Thursday, described the talks as “candid” and said both sides had “focused on in-depth communication regarding the implementation of outcomes” from the last SR-level meeting. It added that the two countries agreed to jointly prepare for the upcoming 24th SR meeting, which is expected to take place in India later this year.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also issued a statement noting that both sides expressed “satisfaction with the general prevalence of peace and tranquillity” along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which they said has supported a “gradual normalisation of bilateral relations.”
The WMCC mechanism, established in 2012, is designed to ensure better communication and coordination between the two sides on border matters. While military and political tensions remain unresolved at several friction points along the LAC, both governments have continued diplomatic dialogue at various levels in recent years.
The upcoming SR-level talks will be watched closely for any sign of forward movement on long-pending boundary issues.