New Delhi, March 28: The 29th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs took place in Beijing, with the aim of resolving lingering issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Representing New Delhi, the delegation was led by the Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs, while Beijing was represented by the Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During Wednesday’s meeting, both sides engaged in extensive discussions on achieving complete disengagement and addressing the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas, stated the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement released on Thursday.
While interim solutions are sought, both parties agreed to maintain regular contact through diplomatic and military channels, emphasizing the importance of upholding peace and tranquility along the border areas in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and protocols.
The meeting comes amidst escalating tensions over the territorial dispute concerning Arunachal Pradesh, with India reiterating that the northeastern state remains an integral part of the country.
Since the clash of troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, India and China have engaged in multiple rounds of military talks aimed at achieving complete disengagement along the LAC, with the goal of restoring peace and tranquility in the border regions.
Addressing the situation, Army Chief General Manoj Pande described the condition along the LAC as “stable” but “sensitive,” emphasizing the high operational preparedness of Indian troops to respond to any eventualities.
In response to the tensions, India has bolstered its troop presence along the strategically significant border.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at an event in Malaysia on Wednesday, underscored the importance of normalizing troop deployment along the India-China border. He criticized China for failing to uphold longstanding agreements with India, which led to violence and bloodshed in 2020.
As both nations continue diplomatic engagements to address border issues, the international community closely monitors developments amidst efforts to de-escalate tensions and foster peaceful resolutions.
