India and China comprehensively reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and explored measures for early resumption of cross-border cooperation, including agreements on trans-border rivers and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. The discussions took place during the 33rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), held in Beijing on March 25.
The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while the Chinese side was represented by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The MEA described the talks as “positive” and “constructive”, emphasising that both sides exchanged views on stabilising border relations and addressing concerns that have impacted bilateral ties in recent years.
A key focus of the meeting was maintaining peace and tranquility along the LAC, which remains a crucial factor in the overall stability of India-China relations.
“Peace and tranquility on the border are critical for the smooth development of overall bilateral relations. The two sides explored various measures and proposals to give effect to the decisions taken during the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question in Beijing in December 2024 and to advance effective border management,” the MEA stated in an official release following the meeting.
Both countries agreed to strengthen diplomatic and military communication channels to ensure border stability and reduce tensions. Additionally, they exchanged proposals for resuming people-to-people exchanges, including discussions on water-sharing agreements on trans-border rivers and the long-awaited return of Indian pilgrims to Kailash-Mansarovar.
The Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage of deep spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, was halted after the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. However, following recent diplomatic engagements, India and China announced plans to resume the pilgrimage in the summer of 2025.
A major outcome of Tuesday’s dialogue was the agreement to accelerate preparations for the next meeting of the Special Representatives (SR) on the India-China boundary dispute, which is set to take place in India later this year.
The SR mechanism, led by top officials from both countries, plays a key role in discussing long-term solutions to border disputes. The December 2024 SR meeting in Beijing saw India and China agree on confidence-building measures to avoid further conflicts.
This latest WMCC meeting reviewed the implementation of those measures and sought additional steps to reinforce border stability before the next round of SR talks.
As part of the visit, Gourangalal Das, head of the Indian delegation, met China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei for a courtesy call. The meeting reinforced India’s commitment to diplomatic dialogue while also stressing the need for China to reciprocate goodwill gestures.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had previously traveled to Beijing on January 26-27 to attend the Foreign Secretary–Vice Foreign Minister mechanism meeting. That meeting paved the way for several breakthroughs, including:
- Agreement to resume the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra in 2025
- Commitment to stabilise bilateral ties through people-centric measures
- A push for resumption of direct air services between India and China
A significant development from the talks was the in-principle agreement to resume direct flight services between India and China.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 border standoff, direct flights between the two nations have been largely suspended. With the relevant technical authorities on both sides now engaged in negotiations, officials are hopeful for a structured framework that allows seamless travel between the two countries.
The latest WMCC talks align with efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to reset strained bilateral ties. Their meeting in Kazan last October set the stage for a structured dialogue process aimed at restoring diplomatic normalcy.
While border tensions continue to be a major challenge, the recent series of high-level talks reflect both nations’ willingness to engage diplomatically rather than escalate conflicts.
As India prepares to host the next SR-level meeting, the focus remains on whether China will take concrete steps to de-escalate tensions along the LAC and honor past commitments on border disengagement.
