India and China Reaffirm Border Stability Amid Diplomatic Engagement in 34th WMCC Meet

In a significant step toward stabilizing one of Asia’s most complex and sensitive borders, India and China held the 34th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on Border Affairs. Hosted in New Delhi, the meeting brought together senior diplomats from both countries, led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) from India's Ministry of External Affairs, and Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussions were marked by a shared sense of satisfaction over the ongoing "peace and tranquility" along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between the two countries. This sentiment signaled a marked departure from the heightened tensions witnessed over the past few years, particularly since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

An army convoy carrying military material on its way to Ladakh | LiveMint

Reinforcing the Framework for Peace

Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in the ongoing dialogue through diplomatic and military mechanisms already in place. They reviewed progress achieved since the last round of discussions and agreed to maintain open lines of communication to prevent misunderstandings and manage differences. The meeting also underscored the role of structured engagement, noting that regular contact at both diplomatic and military levels has played a key role in ensuring relative calm in recent months.

This round of dialogue builds on the outcomes of previous engagements, including the 23rd round of the Special Representatives’ (SR) talks and the 33rd WMCC meeting. Preparations for the upcoming SR-level talks, to be held later this year in India, are already underway. These higher-level meetings are viewed as essential for not only managing the current border situation but also for eventually finding a political resolution to the long-standing boundary issue.

Diplomatic Outreach at the Top Level

A key highlight of the visit was Hong Liang’s meeting with India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, which further reinforced the seriousness with which both nations are approaching the normalization of ties. These high-level interactions indicate a willingness to move beyond merely managing border tensions and towards rebuilding strategic trust.

The positive tone of the meeting was also reflective of recent efforts by both countries to create avenues for cooperation beyond the border. In June 2025, India resumed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—one of the most significant pilgrimages for Hindus—after a five-year suspension due to border tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese government supported the revival of this cross-border spiritual journey, and the move was widely seen as a gesture of goodwill.

Context: From Conflict to Cooperation

The discussions come five years after the deadly Galwan Valley clashes, which brought India-China relations to their lowest point in decades. Since then, the two nations have undergone multiple rounds of disengagement, particularly in areas like Pangong Tso, Gogra, Demchok, and Depsang. While complete disengagement is yet to be achieved in some regions, both sides have acknowledged a significant reduction in friction along the LAC.

Diplomatic breakthroughs have also been accompanied by renewed interest in broader cooperation. Earlier in 2025, India reinstated tourist visas for Chinese citizens, a move appreciated by Beijing as a positive gesture. Additionally, Foreign Ministers S. Jaishankar and Wang Yi have met several times over the past year, including during regional summits in Laos and Beijing, to push for faster resolution of remaining border issues and to enhance mutual trust.

A History of Border Management Mechanisms

The current WMCC framework is part of a series of institutional arrangements established since the early 1990s to manage border tensions. The first major agreement, the 1993 Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement, laid the foundation for future cooperation. This was followed by the 1996 Agreement on Military CBMs and the 2005 protocol for implementing confidence-building measures. In 2012, the WMCC was formally created to serve as a diplomatic platform for addressing border-related issues in real-time, separate from political-level negotiations.

Over time, these mechanisms have evolved into vital channels for crisis management and strategic engagement, especially during moments of tension. Though challenged by events like Doklam (2017) and Galwan (2020), the structure has demonstrated resilience and adaptability.

Conclusion: A Fragile but Positive Trajectory

The 34th WMCC meeting may not have delivered a dramatic breakthrough, but it signaled a steady movement toward normalization—both on the border and within the broader diplomatic relationship. The reaffirmation of peace along the LAC, coupled with plans for future engagements at the Special Representatives level, shows that both nations remain committed to managing tensions through dialogue rather than confrontation.

While challenges persist and unresolved areas remain along the LAC, today’s talks are a reminder that diplomacy continues to offer the most viable path forward. With sustained efforts, mechanisms like the WMCC could eventually help both nations transition from a state of uneasy calm to one of lasting strategic stability.

(Sources: LiveMint, Firstpost, Tribune India)