India, China hold sixth round of working mechanism border talks

The sixth meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs was held in Beijing between April 28 and April 30.

The Indian delegation was led by Gautam Bambawale, Joint Secretary (East Asia) and comprised of representatives of the Ministries of External Affairs, Defence and Home Affairs as well as members of the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

The Chinese delegation was led by Ouyang Yujing, Director General, Department of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and comprised of representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Defence. The Indian delegation called on Liu Zhenmin, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The talks were held in a cordial, constructive and forward looking manner at a time when the season is changing in the high altitude areas along the India- China border.

Both sides agreed that maintenance of peace and tranquility on the border was an important guarantor for the further development of bilateral relations.

The talks reviewed recent developments, particularly in the western sector of the boundary, implementation of the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement and additional confidence building measures. An alternate route for the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra was explored.

This Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs has held six meetings since it was established two years ago, and has become one of the primary mechanisms for the management of affairs related to the boundary question.

The seventh meeting of the Working Mechanism will be held at a mutually convenient time.