India and China engaged in a diplomatic dialogue aimed at addressing the remaining issues and achieving complete disengagement in eastern Ladakh. However, the talks did not provide clear indications of a substantial breakthrough.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the constructive nature of the discussions between the two nations. They underscored the importance of ensuring a stable situation on the ground along with a commitment to averting any untoward incidents. Both sides agreed to convene the next round of senior commanders' meetings promptly to pursue their objectives effectively.
Under the ambit of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), officials from both nations conducted the virtual talks. Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, led the Indian delegation, while the Chinese team was represented by the director-general of boundary and oceanic affairs in the Chinese foreign ministry.
The discussions revolved around proposals to address the pending issues and achieve full disengagement in eastern Ladakh. Emphasizing peace and tranquillity along border areas, both sides reiterated their commitment to maintaining a stable situation and preventing any incidents.
Acknowledging the significance of continued dialogue through military and diplomatic channels, they affirmed the urgency of convening the next round of senior commanders' meetings promptly to advance their shared objectives.
The talks follow the recent military discussions in October, where India strongly advocated for resolving persisting issues at Depsang and Demchok.
The prolonged standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh persists, despite disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military engagements. India has consistently emphasized that normalization of ties with China hinges on peace in the border regions.
The border dispute in eastern Ladakh originated from a violent clash in the Pangong lake area on May 5, 2020, escalating tensions between the two nations. Subsequent military confrontations, particularly the clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, led to a significant deterioration in bilateral relations.
Following multiple rounds of military and diplomatic dialogues, both sides completed the disengagement process in 2021 at the Pangong lake's north and south banks and the Gogra area.