India and China held an important meeting in Beijing to discuss their ongoing border issues. This was the 33rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs.

The meeting aimed to improve relations between the two countries and find ways to manage the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Key points from the meeting

Representatives from both countries talked about the current situation at the border. The Indian side was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Chinese side was led by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department.

Both countries agreed to restart cross-border activities, including cooperation on trans-border rivers and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra—an important pilgrimage for Indian citizens. They also decided to make "substantial preparations" for the next meeting of their Special Representatives (SRs) on the boundary issue, which will be held in Delhi later this year.

After the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the discussions as happening in a "positive and constructive atmosphere." It said both sides had a detailed review of the situation along the LAC and explored various ideas to carry forward agreements made during the 23rd Special Representatives meeting held in December 2024.

Additionally, both countries agreed to "maintain and strengthen" diplomatic and military systems to handle any future problems at the border.

After the meeting, Mr. Das also met with China’s Assistant Foreign Minister, Hong Lei, as a courtesy visit. This shows both sides are committed to maintaining good communication.

Efforts to improve ties between India and China have been ongoing since October last year, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. Both leaders agreed to work towards restoring the situation along the LAC to how it was before 2020.

On March 16, Prime Minister Modi spoke about India-China relations during a long interview with popular podcast host Lex Fridman. He expressed hope for better ties between the two nations, highlighting the need to "learn from each other and understand one another." He stressed the importance of rebuilding "trust, enthusiasm, and energy" in the relationship.

PM Modi also reminded everyone that India and China share a rich history of cultural ties and peaceful coexistence. He said competition between the two nations should be healthy and never turn into conflict.

China welcomed PM Modi’s remarks, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson saying a "dragon-elephant dance" is the best way forward for the two neighbours, adding that their long history has been full of "friendly exchanges" and mutual learning.

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