India and China are actively engaging on both the diplomatic and military fronts in an effort to find a resolution to their ongoing tensions, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India. Despite characterizing the India-China relationship as not normal, the MEA spokesman reiterated that discussions have taken place in October and November with the aim of achieving some form of resolution.
During the media briefing, the MEA official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, highlighted the outcomes of the meetings held in October and November. He mentioned that the commander-level meeting resulted in an agreement to maintain dialogue and negotiations through military and diplomatic channels. Both sides also committed to ensuring peace and tranquility along the border areas.
Additionally, the twentieth meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) took place at the diplomatic level, with the participation of the joint secretary of East Asia from the Indian delegation. The discussions were described as constructive and in-depth, focusing on proposals to resolve the remaining issues and achieve complete disengagement in the eastern Ladakh region.
The MEA emphasized the mutual agreement to maintain peace and tranquility along the border areas and avoid any untoward incidents. The two countries have committed to continuing the dialogue through military and diplomatic channels, with a focus on holding the next round of senior commanders’ meeting at the earliest.
Most recently, the 28th meeting of the WMCC was held, during which the Indian delegation, led by the Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Chinese delegation, led by the Director-General, Boundary and Oceanic Affairs, of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas. The discussions centered on proposals to resolve the remaining issues and achieve complete disengagement in eastern Ladakh. Both sides reiterated the need to preserve peace and tranquility along the border areas and avoid any untoward incidents.
The ongoing efforts for disengagement and de-escalation in eastern Ladakh began with the 20th round of Corps Commander-level talks held in October. The meeting, held at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side, aimed to resolve the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and negotiations through relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms, expressed commitment to peace and tranquility, and focused on resolving the outstanding issues.
In a separate event, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared insights into India’s relationship with China, emphasizing the complexities of historical perspectives that could have shaped India’s view differently. He referred to notes and letters exchanged between Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on China, highlighting their differing opinions on the matter.
The engagements between India and China at both the diplomatic and military levels signify a concerted effort to address the ongoing tensions and find a resolution. The countries have expressed commitment to peace, tranquility, and dialogue, as they work towards achieving complete disengagement and resolving the remaining issues in the eastern Ladakh region.
