India and China have agreed to take further measures to ease tensions along their shared border, continuing the implementation of a disengagement agreement reached in October 2024. This agreement aimed to resolve the over four-year military standoff in eastern Ladakh, which had caused significant strain between the two nations.
The discussions took place on December 5, 2024, during the 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi. Both countries affirmed the positive progress made since the last disengagement, which has contributed to easing tensions in the disputed areas.
The meeting, which was led by Gourangalal Das, India's Joint Secretary (East Asia), and Hong Liang, Director General of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on several key issues. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining communication through diplomatic and military channels to ensure the continued peace and stability of their border regions.
A major point of discussion was the successful implementation of the disengagement agreement, which was seen as a crucial step in de-escalating the military standoff that began in 2020. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both delegations agreed that the agreement had been a success and marked a significant reduction in tensions in the disputed border areas.
The discussions also included preparations for an upcoming meeting of the Special Representatives, scheduled to take place as agreed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their summit in Kazan in October 2024. The upcoming talks are expected to further strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries and ensure lasting peace along the border.
Both sides also reflected on the tense border situation in 2020, which saw violent clashes between Indian and Chinese forces in eastern Ladakh. The two delegations emphasized the importance of preventing such incidents from recurring. They also stressed the need for regular communication to reduce misunderstandings and to ensure that peace is maintained in accordance with existing agreements and protocols.
During the visit, Hong Liang met with India's Foreign Secretary to discuss broader bilateral relations, including regional security matters. This meeting was seen as another step in fostering stronger ties between the two countries.
The border dispute, which covers a 3,488-kilometre stretch, has led to multiple confrontations over the years. However, the ongoing diplomatic efforts, including the recent WMCC meeting, have played a critical role in de-escalating tensions and preventing further military conflicts.
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