India, China Discuss Cross-Border Cooperation and Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage

 India and China have engaged in discussions on resuming cross-border cooperation, including trans-border river issues and the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage, during a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs held in Beijing on Tuesday.



Diplomatic Efforts for Normalization

The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to normalize bilateral relations following an understanding reached last October to de-escalate the military standoff in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It also follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks on India-China cooperation being crucial for global stability and prosperity.

Key Issues Discussed

The WMCC meeting explored measures to implement decisions made during the Special Representatives’ meeting on boundary issues in Beijing last December. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions took place in a "positive and constructive atmosphere."

Both sides exchanged views on the early resumption of cross-border cooperation, with a particular focus on trans-border rivers and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. Additionally, they deliberated on enhancing effective border management and agreed to strengthen diplomatic and military mechanisms to maintain peace and stability.

The two nations also agreed to continue preparations for the next Special Representatives’ meeting, which is scheduled to take place in India later this year. The Special Representatives are India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Progress on Bilateral Initiatives

At their previous meeting on December 18 in Beijing, Doval and Wang discussed maintaining peace at the border, resuming the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, and sharing data on trans-border rivers. India remains particularly keen on reviving river data-sharing agreements given China’s plans to construct a major hydropower project on the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River.

The resumption of the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage is still under discussion, with both nations working on logistical details. The pilgrimage, an important religious and cultural journey for Indian devotees, has been suspended since 2020.

Review of LAC Situation

The WMCC meeting also reviewed the overall security situation along the LAC, with India reiterating that peace and tranquillity at the border are essential for stable bilateral relations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry characterized the discussions as "positive, constructive, and forward-looking."

Leading the Indian delegation at the WMCC meeting was Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the MEA, while the Chinese side was headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department. Additionally, Das met with China’s Assistant Foreign Minister, Hong Lei, as part of the diplomatic engagement.

The Road to Resolution

India-China relations suffered a significant setback after the Ladakh skirmishes in April-May 2020 and the violent Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops. Since then, extensive rounds of talks through WMCC and senior military commanders have led to the disengagement of forces from Pangong Lake, Gogra, and Hot Springs.

A major breakthrough occurred on October 21 last year when both nations agreed to withdraw troops from the remaining “friction points” at Demchok and Depsang. This understanding was reinforced by a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, two days later, where both leaders emphasized the need to restore dialogue and address border tensions.

Looking Ahead

With meetings between Special Representatives and high-level ministers continuing, the diplomatic process remains active. In a recent podcast, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the 2020 border incidents but stressed that India and China must prevent differences from escalating into disputes. He reiterated that cooperation between the two Asian giants is essential for global stability and prosperity.

In response, China’s Foreign Ministry welcomed Modi’s remarks, signaling a willingness to rebuild relations. Moving forward, both countries will seek to balance strategic interests while maintaining diplomatic engagements to resolve border tensions and promote regional cooperation.

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