In a sign of thawing tensions, India and China on Wednesday expressed satisfaction over the prevailing peace and tranquility in their border areas and agreed to sustain diplomatic and military dialogue to support gradual normalisation of ties.

The assessment came during the 34th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs held in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia), while China was represented by Hong Liang, Director General, Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department.

According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides reviewed border developments and discussed steps for effective border management. They agreed to maintain regular diplomatic and military-level contacts through existing mechanisms.

The delegations also prepared for the upcoming Special Representatives’ Talks on the India-China Boundary Question, expected to take place later this year in India.

Separately, the Chinese delegation also called on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during the visit.

In a related development, the Chinese Foreign Ministry welcomed India’s resumption of tourist visas for Chinese citizens, calling it a “positive move” that will aid people-to-people exchanges.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during the SCO Foreign Ministers’ call and conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi.

The meeting was part of efforts to stabilise ties following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, and is seen as part of India’s calibrated engagement with China.