India, China Discuss LAC Situation and Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra Resumption

India and China reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and explored early resumption of cross-border cooperation, including trans-border rivers and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, during the 33rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) held in Beijing.

The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while the Chinese side was represented by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussions took place in a "positive" and "constructive" atmosphere, emphasizing the significance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the border for the overall development of bilateral relations. The two sides deliberated on measures to implement the outcomes of the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary issue, which was held in December 2024 in Beijing. They also explored effective strategies for border management.

As part of the talks, both nations agreed to reinforce diplomatic and military communication channels and exchanged perspectives on resuming cross-border engagements. Notably, they discussed preparations for the upcoming Special Representatives meeting, scheduled to take place in India later this year. Additionally, Gourangalal Das met China's Assistant Foreign Minister, Hong Lei, in a courtesy call.

The meeting follows Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Beijing on January 26-27 for the Foreign Secretary-Vice Foreign Minister mechanism. During this visit, both sides decided to resume the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025, fulfilling an agreement made between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting in Kazan last October.