India, China reflect on 2020 Ladakh standoff lessons, prepare for next round of talks

NEW DELHI: In the first dialogue since the resolution of the eastern Ladakh standoff, India and China met in Delhi on Thursday under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC). The meeting focused on preventing the recurrence of military confrontations like the one that began in May 2020, which was resolved following disengagement in Depsang and Demchok last month.

"The two sides positively affirmed the implementation of the most recent disengagement agreement, which completed the resolution of the issues that emerged in 2020," the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The talks also reviewed the current situation along the border areas, with both sides "reflecting on the lessons learnt from the events of 2020 in order to prevent their recurrence." Emphasizing the importance of clear communication, the MEA added, "In this context, they highlighted the importance of regular exchanges and contacts at diplomatic and military levels through established mechanisms."

Preparations were also made for the next meeting of the Special Representatives (SR) on the boundary question, a dialogue mechanism agreed upon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in October.

"They agreed on the need for effective border management and maintenance of peace and tranquillity in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached between the two governments," the MEA said.

The Chinese delegation leader also met with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, further reinforcing the commitment to maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

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