BorderTalks – India and China Review LAC Situation, Expand Diplomatic Engagement

BorderTalks -India and China have continued diplomatic efforts to address long-standing border matters while working to strengthen communication channels and promote stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Officials from both countries reviewed key issues related to boundary management, confidence-building measures and cross-border cooperation during a high-level meeting held in New Delhi.

Officials Review Border Situation at WMCC Meeting

India and China held the 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs on August 6 in New Delhi. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions covered boundary delimitation, border management, institutional coordination and trans-border cooperation.

The Indian delegation was led by Sujit Ghosh, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the MEA, while Hou Yanqi, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed the Chinese delegation. During the meeting, both sides assessed the prevailing situation along the Line of Actual Control and exchanged views on maintaining peace in the border regions.

Peace Along the LAC Remains a Shared Priority

The MEA stated that both countries held open and detailed discussions, emphasizing that peace and stability in border areas remain essential for the broader development of bilateral relations. Officials agreed that avoiding tensions along the LAC is important for maintaining constructive engagement between the two neighbours.

The two delegations also decided to continue using established diplomatic and military communication channels to address pending issues. These include the WMCC framework, meetings between local military commanders and other agreed mechanisms aimed at reducing misunderstandings and preventing unnecessary escalation.

Boundary Issues and River Cooperation Discussed

As part of the follow-up to the outcomes of the 24th Special Representatives’ Talks, the discussions included detailed exchanges on boundary delimitation, border administration, institutional mechanisms and cooperation in areas that extend across the border.

The Indian side also reiterated the importance of convening the next meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on trans-border rivers at the earliest opportunity. It further highlighted the need for timely sharing of technical information related to upstream infrastructure projects, a subject considered significant for effective river management and transparency.

Recent Measures Reflect Improving Bilateral Engagement

Earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted several developments that indicate gradual improvement in people-to-people engagement between India and China. These include the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the restoration of civil aviation connectivity between the two countries after an extended interruption.

Speaking during a regular media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said discussions between the two governments are progressing in a constructive manner. He noted that recent initiatives are expected to contribute positively to bilateral ties and encourage greater interaction between citizens of both nations.

Government Responds to Social Media Concerns

Jaiswal also addressed concerns raised by members of the Indian diaspora regarding abusive online content targeting Indians and Indian culture on certain Chinese social media platforms. The issue had reportedly been highlighted during an open forum organised by the Indian Embassy in Beijing.

Responding to questions on the matter, the MEA spokesperson indicated that dialogue between India and China continues across multiple areas and expressed confidence that ongoing diplomatic engagement, along with recent confidence-building measures, will help strengthen overall relations. While acknowledging the concerns, the focus remained on sustaining communication and expanding cooperation through established diplomatic channels.