In a recent update on the India-China border situation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India’s long-standing position on its relationship with China. Despite acknowledging that the relationship is not normal, the two countries continue to engage in both diplomatic and military discussions to find a resolution.
During a weekly media briefing, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the ongoing dialogues that took place in October and November. He highlighted the commander-level meeting held in October, where an agreement was reached to maintain dialogue momentum through relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms. Both nations are committed to upholding peace and tranquility along the border areas.
Furthermore, the twentieth meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) occurred, addressing issues at the diplomatic level. The discussions involved a joint secretary from the MEA and the Director-General of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides engaged in a constructive and in-depth conversation, reviewing proposals to resolve remaining issues and achieve complete disengagement in eastern Ladakh.
The consensus reached between India and China emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the border areas, avoiding untoward incidents. Both nations agreed to continue the dialogue through military and diplomatic channels, with plans to hold the next round of senior commanders’ meetings at the earliest opportunity.
The recent 28th meeting of the WMCC on Thursday further solidified the commitment to resolving issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector. The Indian delegation, led by the Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the MEA, and the Chinese delegation, led by the Director-General of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs, engaged in an open and constructive discussion.
India and China reiterated the need to maintain peace, tranquility, and a stable situation along the border areas. Both sides agreed to continue dialogue through military and diplomatic channels, aiming for a swift resolution to achieve the objectives outlined in their discussions.
Meanwhile, EAM S Jaishankar reflected on India’s historical relationship with China, suggesting that a more Bharat-centric approach could have shaped India’s perspective differently. He highlighted historical nuances, emphasizing the complexity of India’s early stance on its relationship with China based on exchanges between leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
(inputs from ANI)