India and China held their first diplomatic talks under an important dialogue mechanism since pulling back troops from two disputed areas. During the meeting in New Delhi, both countries reviewed the lessons learned from the eastern Ladakh border dispute to avoid similar conflicts in the future.

In the discussion under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border issues, the two sides agreed to keep peace and calm along the border, following their previous agreements and protocols. On the boundary issue, the two parties also got ready for the upcoming Special Representatives meeting. "The two sides positively affirmed the implementation of the most recent disengagement agreement which completed the resolution of the issues that emerged in 2020," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Relations between the two neighbouring countries were severely strained as a result of the deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 and the military standoff between China and India in eastern Ladakh, which originated in May 2020. Following the disengagement process from the final two grounds of contention between Demchok and Depsang, the face-off essentially came to a conclusion on October 21st when an agreement was reached. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan two days after the agreement was concluded.

The two sides decided to resurrect the Special Representatives dialogue on boundary issues, among other dialogue mechanisms, during the meeting. Foreign Minister Wang Yi will lead the Chinese side in the negotiations, while NSA Ajit Doval will represent India as a Special Representative.

"They also prepared for the next meeting of the Special Representatives, which is to be held in accordance with the decision of the two leaders in their meeting in Kazan on October 23," the MEA said on the WMCC talks. It said, "Both sides reviewed the situation in border areas, and reflected on the lessons learnt from the events of 2020 in order to prevent their recurrence." 

"In this context, they highlighted the importance of regular exchanges and contacts at diplomatic and military level through established mechanisms." The MEA further said, "They agreed on the need for effective border management and maintenance of peace and tranquillity in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements, protocols and understandings reached between the two governments."

The Indian delegation at the talks was led by Gourangalal Das, the Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The Chinese team was led by Hong Liang, the Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department in the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Hong also met with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.