Despite continuous diplomatic efforts, India and China have yet to achieve a breakthrough in their longstanding border standoff in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The 15th installment of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs convened in Beijing, seeking to find a resolution to disengage troops and address friction points. However, no substantial progress has been made, particularly at contentious areas like Demchok and Depsang where troops remain in close range.
The diplomatic dialogue, which included the exchange of views on disengagement and peace preservation along the LAC, ended with an agreement to continue communications through diplomatic and military channels. This dialogue followed dozens of rounds where some withdrawals did occur at Pangong Tso Lake, Gogra, and Hot Springs, yet other critical points still await resolution. Reiterating India’s stance, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that normal bilateral relations hinge on the conventional deployment of troops, marking border security as a non-negotiable priority in relations with China. Whether in negotiations or direct engagement with his Chinese counterpart, Jaishankar upheld the importance of adhering to traditional troop deployment practices away from the LAC.
On March 28, 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the culmination of their 29th meeting with counterparts in Beijing. Once again, the focal discussion was on the complete disengagement and resolution of remaining concerns along the LAC in the Western Sector. However, the persistence of such meetings has not yet seen the fruition of tangible change along the border, with both nations standing firm on their positions. With each side maintaining around 60,000 troops along the Ladakh sector, the resolution process continues to unfold amidst calls for peace and protocol adherence.