DELHI: The December 18, 2024 assembly between Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing was an necessary step within the path of normalization of relations between the 2 nations.
This was the twenty third assembly of the Special Representatives. The newest one occurred in December 2019, following which the violent Galwan clashes of 2020 utterly offset India-China relations. The clashes led to a complete breakdown in communication and confidence-building measures (CBMs) between the 2 sides and a army standoff on the border.
The 12 months 2025 marks the seventy fifth anniversary of the institution of diplomatic relations between India and China. However, even after years of discussions, the border between India and China continues to be disputed.
There has been no concrete change on this regard, though it has been confirmed again and again that the difficulty has the capability to derail diplomatic relations between the 2 nations. The Galwan clashes additionally confirmed the fragility of CBMs.
UNDER THE DIPLOMATIC FIT
The December 18 assembly befell after the October patrolling of the Line of Actual Control was resolved, which led to some easing of rigidity and disengagement.
But even because the assembly indicators constructive momentum in India-China relations, one can’t overlook the historical past behind it and the challenges forward.
This is underlined by the truth that the Chinese launched a “six-point consensus” after the assembly – a consensus that the Indian facet has not been very snug accepting in its entirety. Significantly, even after Beijing declared itself keen and able to work with India to achieve a decision, the 2 didn’t situation any joint assertion on the finish of the assembly.
An announcement from China’s Foreign Ministry mentioned that any answer to the border dispute must be “truthful, cheap and acceptable to each side” and that “each side agreed to proceed to take measures to take care of peace and tranquility within the border areas and to advertise wholesome and secure situations.” improvement of bilateral relations”. He additionally mentioned that the border query will likely be positioned within the “acceptable place,” with out providing any particulars or clarification on what this place entails.
Beijing has additionally expressed its need, expressed because the Galwan disaster, to “separate the border situation from bilateral relations”.
