LAC talks: India China for intensified contact to narrow down difference

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated31/08/2024

The expression “narrow down the differences” has been used for the first time in the bilateral talks on the border standoff and, in diplomatic parlance, indicates progress in the negotiations.

The ongoing border standoff between India and China, which began in May 2020 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, has been a significant point of contention in bilateral relations.
Over the years, various rounds of diplomatic and military talks have been held to resolve the standoff, with varying degrees of success.
The recent meeting held in Beijing, as part of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), signals some progress in these negotiations.

On August 29, 2024, India and China engaged in what was described as a “frank, constructive and forward-looking” exchange of views to narrow down the differences along the LAC and seek an early resolution of outstanding issues.
This meeting, the 31st of its kind, saw both sides agreeing to intensify contact through diplomatic and military channels, a significant step that underscores a sense of urgency in resolving the border issues.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India noted that the discussions were in line with the guidance provided during earlier meetings between the Foreign Ministers of both nations in Astana and Vientiane in July 2024
The focus on narrowing differences and finding early resolutions is a new expression in the diplomatic dialogue, indicating positive movement towards resolving the standoff.

The timing of this progress is crucial. It comes just before the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled for October 2024, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet.
This could provide a pivotal opportunity for high-level discussions on the sidelines of the summit, potentially leading to further de-escalation along the border.
Moreover, the commitment to intensified diplomatic and military contact suggests a strategic shift towards resolving the dispute through dialogue rather than confrontation. This approach aligns with the broader goal of restoring peace and tranquility along the LAC, which has been highlighted as the essential basis for normalizing bilateral relations.