New Delhi: India and China convened the 30th session of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi on Wednesday. During the meeting, both nations agreed to maintain peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and seek the prompt resolution of outstanding issues.

Gourangalal Das, the Joint Secretary (East Asia) from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, led the Indian delegation, while Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed the Chinese delegation. In line with discussions held between the two Foreign Ministers at their recent meetings in Astana and Vientiane, both sides assessed the current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with the aim of resolving outstanding issues swiftly, stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The statement emphasized that restoring peace and tranquility, and respecting the LAC, are essential for normalizing bilateral relations. Both parties agreed on the necessity to jointly maintain peace and tranquility along the border areas, adhering to existing bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings between the two governments.

The MEA also noted that the discussions were in-depth, constructive, and forward-looking. Both sides committed to sustaining dialogue through existing diplomatic and military channels. The Chinese delegation leader also met with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The last round of diplomatic talks between India and China took place in March of this year.

Significantly, in 2020, Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Galwan Valley, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since May 2020, when Chinese troops attempted to alter the status quo at the LAC in eastern Ladakh, both countries have maintained forward positions near Patrolling Point 15, a hotspot following the Galwan clash. Over 50,000 Indian troops have been stationed at forward posts along the LAC since 2020, equipped with advanced weaponry to prevent unilateral changes to the status quo.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.