30th India-China Border Affairs Meeting: Steps Towards Peace and Stability

New Delhi: The 30th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) took place on July 31, 2024, in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Mr. Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary & Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Building on recent discussions between the two Foreign Ministers in Astana and Vientiane, the meeting focused on reviewing the current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Both sides emphasized the importance of resolving outstanding issues at an early date to restore peace and tranquility, a crucial aspect for normalizing bilateral relations. They reiterated the need to jointly uphold peace and stability in the border areas, in line with the relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings.

The discussions were described as in-depth, constructive, and forward-looking, with both sides agreeing to continue engaging through established diplomatic and military channels to maintain momentum.

In addition to the WMCC meeting, the leader of the Chinese delegation, Mr. Hong Liang, also called on India’s Foreign Secretary, underscoring the continued high-level engagement between the two countries.

This meeting marks another step towards addressing and managing the complex issues along the India-China border, with a shared commitment to maintaining peace and tranquility in the region.