India-China Border Affairs Meeting
India and China recently engaged in discussions aimed at resuming cross-border cooperation, particularly concerning trans-border rivers and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. This took place during the 33rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs in Beijing.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
- The meeting aimed to prepare for the upcoming Special Representatives (SR) meeting in India later this year.
- Both sides reviewed the Line of Actual Control situation, emphasizing the importance of peace for bilateral relations.
- Discussions included implementing decisions from the 23rd SR meeting in December 2024.
- There was an agreement to reinforce diplomatic and military mechanisms for border management.
Recent Developments
- India and China completed disengagement from Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, returning to pre-April 2020 status.
- Buffer zones remain in five earlier disengaged points with pending agreements on patrolling norms.
Current Status and Military Readiness
- While a degree of standoff remains along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the situation is considered "sensitive but stable."
- Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi has empowered Corps Commanders to address ground-level issues, ensuring robust and balanced deployment along the LAC.
