India, China to sustain diplomatic and military dialogue on border issues

India and China on Wednesday agreed to maintain regular exchanges and contacts on boundary-related issues at both diplomatic and military levels through established mechanisms.

The decision was taken during the 34th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), held in New Delhi.

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Both sides expressed satisfaction with the general atmosphere of peace and tranquillity in the border areas, which they noted was contributing to the gradual normalisation of bilateral relations.

The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia), while the Chinese delegation was headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The two sides reviewed the situation in the India-China border areas. They expressed satisfaction with the general prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the border areas, leading to gradual normalisation of bilateral relations,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

“They agreed to maintain regular exchanges and contacts on issues related to boundary affairs at the diplomatic and military levels through established mechanisms,” the statement added.

With a view to advancing effective border management and sustaining peace and tranquillity, the two sides deliberated on various measures explored during the previous (23rd) round of Special Representatives’ Talks and the 33rd WMCC meeting.

They also discussed preparations for the next round of the Special Representatives’ Talks on the India-China Boundary Question, scheduled to be held in India later this year. The leader of the Chinese delegation also called on the Foreign Secretary.