India, China discuss border management, cooperation at WMCC

India and China recently held the 35th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs in Beijing, reviewing developments along the border and discussing measures to further strengthen peace, stability and bilateral cooperation.The Indian delegation was led by Sujit Ghosh, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Chinese side was headed by Hou Yanqi, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions were constructive and forward-looking, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the progress made in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas. The two countries noted that stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has contributed to the gradual normalisation of bilateral relations.The meeting also focused on issues related to border management, delimitation, institutional mechanisms and cross-border cooperation. India underscored the importance of convening the next meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-Border Rivers at the earliest.
Both sides agreed to continue regular diplomatic and military-level engagements through established mechanisms, including those agreed upon during the 24th round of Special Representatives (SR) talks.India and China also agreed to work towards substantive preparations for the next meeting of the Special Representatives, which is scheduled to be held in China.During the visit, Sujit Ghosh held discussions with senior Chinese officials, including Liu Jinsong, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs, and called on Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.The WMCC remains an important platform for dialogue between the two countries, facilitating communication on border-related issues and promoting measures aimed at preserving peace and stability along the frontier while advancing broader bilateral engagement.