What are the prospects of de-escalation in Summer even as the Indian Army is wary as it would not like to be caught on the wrong foot once again napping as it did in April 2020?
Post the Kazan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October last year there has been a thaw in relations between the two countries. This has led to disengagement at the two contentious points on which negotiations were ongoing for over two years – Depsang Plains and Demchok.
Patrolling has also been resumed with improved communications between forward commanders.
However, the dividend from de-escalation is still awaited. One reason could possibly be the winter season which renders movement in this high altitude zone possible by small groups. Will there be a breakthrough during the forthcoming summer season remains to be seen, there are some positive developments towards the same which need to be flagged
Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs
The Ministry of External Affairs in a Press Release indicated that 33rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on 25 March 2025 in Beijing. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia), and the Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary & Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Held in a positive and constructive atmosphere, the meeting comprehensively reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas. Peace and tranquility on the border are critical for the smooth development of overall bilateral relations. The two sides explored various measures and proposals to give effect to the decisions taken during the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question in Beijing in December 2024 and to advance effective border management. The two sides agreed to maintain and strengthen relevant diplomatic and military mechanisms towards this end. They also exchanged views on early resumption of cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including on trans-border rivers and Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra.
The two sides agreed to work together to make substantial preparation for the next meeting of the Special Representatives (SR), which will be held in India later this year.
The Indian delegation leader paid a courtesy call on Assistant Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Hong Lei said the press release.
Role of WMCC
The Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) plays a crucial role in managing and resolving border-related issues between India and China. It serves as a platform for diplomatic and military dialogue to ensure peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Here are its key functions: The WMCC regularly reviews the situation along the LAC to address any tensions or disputes that arise. It works on implementing decisions made during higher-level talks, such as those between Special Representatives on the boundary question. The mechanism focuses on maintaining and enhancing diplomatic and military communication channels to prevent misunderstandings and manage incidents effectively. It explores measures for cross-border cooperation, including initiatives like the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra and management of trans-border rivers. The WMCC lays the groundwork for meetings between senior officials, ensuring substantial progress in discussions on border management. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the WMCC aims to maintain peace and tranquility at the border, which is essential for the broader bilateral relationship between the two nations.
PM Modi’s Positive Statements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India and China should engage in a "healthy and natural" competition while ensuring that differences do not escalate into disputes. Speaking on India-China relations during the podcast with Lex Fridman, PM Modi highlighted the deep historical ties between the two nations and underscored the need for dialogue over discord. "Our focus is to ensure that differences don’t turn into disputes. Instead of discord, we emphasize dialogue," PM Modi said. "After my meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020," he said.
Army Chief Retains a Tough Stance
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted the challenges posed by China's rise as a dominant economic and strategic force, stating that it hampers India’s ability to position itself as the natural leader of the Global South. Speaking at the fourth General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture in Delhi, General Dwivedi pointed out the increasing competition and complexity created by China's expanding influence. “The rise of China as a dominant economic and strategic force adds complexity, creates competition, and hampers India's effort to be the natural leader for the Global South,” he said.
Conclusion
While at the leadership level there appears to be some momentum for a breakthrough much will depend on the confidence levels between the two armies and the ability to reoccupy vacated positions in real time in case a threat is perceived.
Indian Army is wary as it would not like to be caught on the wrong foot once again napping as it did in April 2020.
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