India-China expressed satisfaction with peace in border areas during the 34th WMCC meeting in New Delhi. Both sides agreed to maintain regular diplomatic and military dialogues. India’s resumption of tourist visas for Chinese citizens and Jaishankar’s visit to Beijing further signal improving bilateral relations.
In a development indicating thawing relations, India and China on Wednesday expressed satisfaction over the prevailing peace and tranquility along their shared border, emphasizing the gradual normalization of bilateral ties. This consensus emerged during the 34th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), held in New Delhi.
The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while the Chinese side was represented by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In an official statement following the meeting, the MEA highlighted that both sides “reviewed the situation in the India-China border areas” and noted their satisfaction with the general stability and calm prevailing in the region. “They agreed to maintain regular exchanges and contacts on issues related to the boundary affairs at the diplomatic and military levels through established mechanisms,” the statement said.
The talks also involved a review of recent dialogue outcomes, including discussions held during the 23rd round of Special Representatives (SR) Talks and the previous (33rd) WMCC meeting held in Beijing on March 25. The MEA said both sides “deliberated on various measures” for “advancing effective border management and sustaining peace and tranquility.”
Preparations are now underway for the next round of Special Representatives’ Talks on the India-China Boundary Question, which will be held in India later this year. These talks are a crucial part of the ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding issues and build mutual trust.
In addition to the WMCC discussions, the head of the Chinese delegation, Hong Liang, called on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, further underscoring the importance of diplomatic dialogue at higher levels.
In a separate but related development, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed India’s decision to resume issuing tourist visas for Chinese citizens. A spokesperson for the ministry called the move “positive” and reiterated China’s readiness to maintain communication with India to enhance cross-border travel.
“We take note of India’s resumption of tourist visas for Chinese citizens. This is a positive move. Easing cross-border travel is widely beneficial. China will maintain communication and consultation with India to further facilitate travel between the two countries,” the Chinese Ministry posted on X (formerly Twitter).
This positive diplomatic atmosphere follows External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to China earlier this month. During his trip to Beijing, EAM Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of a delegation of foreign ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states. It was Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the Galwan Valley clash in May 2020, which had significantly strained ties between the two countries.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.”
Jaishankar also held multiple high-level meetings with Chinese officials on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin, focusing on deepening dialogue and expanding areas of cooperation.
| Also Read: Opposition leaders denied meeting Jagdeep Dhankhar after resignation |
These recent diplomatic engagements, especially the positive tone of the WMCC talks and India’s visa resumption, are seen as constructive steps toward rebuilding mutual trust and restoring a functional relationship between the two Asian giants. Although several issues remain unresolved, the emphasis on communication, peaceful resolution, and cooperation marks a positive shift in India-China relations after years of tension.
