India and China Discuss Border Cooperation and Renewed Cross-Border Engagement

India and China held border talks in Beijing, reviewing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) situation and exploring cross-border cooperation, including the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. The meeting followed constructive discussions between leaders in 2024 and aimed to implement previous agreements. Both sides emphasized peace as vital for bilateral ties, agreeing to enhance diplomatic and military mechanisms. The Yatra is set to resume in 2025 after a pandemic-induced pause. Efforts continue to restore trust and stability in the region.

India and China convened in Beijing on Tuesday for the latest round of border discussions, focusing on implementing decisions made during the Special Representatives (SR) meeting in December. The talks also included a comprehensive review of the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and an exchange of views on restarting cross-border initiatives, such as the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Last December, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, acting as Special Representatives for their respective nations, held a constructive meeting following prior discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October. These engagements led to a renewal of dialogue at various levels. The next SR meeting is set to take place in India later this year, with both sides agreeing to make “substantial preparation” for it, the MEA noted.

The 33rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was described as "positive and constructive" by the MEA. The meeting thoroughly examined the LAC's status and explored measures to advance border management and cooperation.

The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) Gourangalal Das, engaged with the Chinese team headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department. As part of the visit, the Indian representatives also paid a courtesy call on Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.

“Peace and tranquility on the border are critical for the smooth development of overall bilateral relations,” the MEA statement emphasized. Both sides discussed ways to implement the agreements reached during the December 2024 SR meeting in Beijing and proposed measures to enhance diplomatic and military mechanisms for effective border management. Additionally, the two nations exchanged ideas on resuming cross-border cooperation, including trans-border river initiatives and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra.

Regarding the Yatra, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recently stated that an understanding has been reached to restart it in 2025. However, discussions to finalize the details are still ongoing. The Yatra has remained suspended since 2020 due to the pandemic and the subsequent lack of renewed arrangements by China. Earlier this year, both nations agreed in principle to resume the Yatra and restore direct flights.

The December meeting between Doval and Wang Yi marked the first SR-level interaction since border tensions strained ties in 2020. During this meeting, both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining a political perspective on bilateral relations while working toward a fair and mutually acceptable framework for resolving the boundary issue. They pledged to revitalize the negotiation process.

In January, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions with his Chinese counterpart, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg in February. These meetings reviewed progress in bilateral relations, border tranquility, and the resumption of the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a recent podcast with Lex Fridman, highlighted the importance of cooperation for global stability and prosperity. Referring to his discussions with President Xi Jinping, he remarked, “…after my recent meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020. Slowly but surely, trust, enthusiasm, and energy will return.”

As both nations continue to engage in dialogue, their efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen cooperation reflect a commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region.