India, China review LAC situation and river data sharing in fresh border talks
New Delhi: India and China held a fresh round of diplomatic talks on Thursday to review the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and discuss issues related to transborder river data sharing as both sides continue efforts to stabilise ties.
The 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) was held in New Delhi amid renewed engagement between the two countries. India was represented by Joint Secretary (East Asia) Sujit Ghosh while the Chinese delegation was led by Hou Yanqi, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department.
During the meeting both sides discussed developments along the LAC, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh and agreed to continue using existing diplomatic and military channels to resolve pending issues. The two countries also stressed the need to avoid misunderstandings and maintain communication along the frontier.
Focus on border management and river cooperation
The discussions followed the decisions taken during the 24th meeting of the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary issue. The two sides exchanged views on several matters, including boundary negotiations, border management mechanisms, institutional cooperation and trans-border issues.
India also called for an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on transborder rivers. New Delhi highlighted the importance of China sharing technical information related to upstream projects as developments on rivers originating in China remain a key concern for India’s water security.
Both countries reiterated that maintaining peace and stability along the border remains essential for improving overall bilateral relations.
Efforts to rebuild ties after 2020 tensions
The latest talks come as India and China have increased diplomatic engagement following years of strained relations after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes and the military standoff in Eastern Ladakh.
After several rounds of military and diplomatic discussions, the two sides completed disengagement at multiple friction points. In October 2024, India and China reached an agreement on disengagement at Depsang and Demchok which were among the final major points of confrontation in eastern Ladakh.
Since then, both countries have taken steps towards restoring some areas of cooperation including the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, visa services and discussions on restarting direct flight connectivity.
The latest WMCC meeting also comes after recent high-level engagements. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing in July and held discussions with Chinese officials on bilateral relations. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during ASEAN-related meetings in Manila.
India has maintained that peace and tranquillity along the border are a “pre-requisite” for normalising ties, based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity.