China, India hold 'in-depth' talks on western border control; agree to maintain dialogue, communication

China’s Defence Ministry on Wednesday said that it has held “active and in-depth” talks with India on managing tensions along the western section of their disputed border, reported Reuters.

Beijing further notified that it has discussed ways to improve “control and management” of the area with New Delhi

"Both sides had active and in-depth communication on the control of the western section of the China-India border. They agreed to continue to maintain communication and dialogue through military and diplomatic channels," the statement from the Defence Ministry said, according Reuters.

However, an official notification from the PM Modi-led Central government is yet to be issued on the matter.

The talks come amid signs of cautious thawing between the two neighbours.

Last month, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India-China relations are “gradually moving towards normalcy,” noting that as border issues get resolved, easing of tensions is a natural consequence.

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to pursue a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable” solution to the boundary issue. The leaders also emphasised the importance of expanding trade and investment ties, acknowledging the role both economies play in stabilising global trade.

Goyal, addressing reporters, said that the 2020 Galwan clash had caused “a blip in the relationship” but expressed optimism that normalcy would return as border matters are settled.