Background of WMCC

The Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was established in 2012 as a diplomatic channel to address border-related issues between the two nations. The 35th meeting was held in Beijing, continuing the dialogue process that began after the 2017 Doklam standoff.

Key Outcomes of the 35th Meeting

  • Border Management: Both sides expressed satisfaction over maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
  • Trans-border Rivers Mechanism: India emphasised the need for an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers, citing strategic and ecological importance
  • Special Representatives Talks: Both nations agreed to prepare for the 25th round of SR talks on the boundary question in China
  • Gradual Normalisation: Stability along LAC acknowledged as essential for normalising bilateral relations

India-China Border: Key Facts

Length and Sectors

  • Total Border: 3,488 km
  • Ladakh: 1,597 km
  • Himachal Pradesh: 200 km
  • Uttarakhand: 345 km
  • Sikkim: 220 km
  • Arunachal Pradesh: 1,126 km

LAC Perspective

  • India considers LAC to be 3,488 km
  • China estimates it at approximately 2,000 km
  • The border is not fully demarcated

Sector-wise Border Disputes

Western Sector (Ladakh)

  • Centered on Aksai Chin
  • India's claim: Based on the Johnson Line (1865)
  • China's claim: Based on the McDonald Line (1893)

Middle Sector

  • Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
  • Least contentious sector
  • Only area where both nations have exchanged maps

Eastern Sector

  • Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh
  • Centered on the McMahon Line (1914 Simla Convention)
  • China rejects the McMahon Line
  • China refers to Arunachal Pradesh as "South Tibet"

Border Guarding Force

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) serves as the primary border-guarding force along the India-China border.

Historical Context

The LAC emerged after the 1962 India-China War, serving as the de facto boundary between Indian-controlled and Chinese-controlled territories. The boundary remains undemarcated, and efforts to clarify and confirm the LAC are ongoing.

Trans-border Rivers

India raised the pressing need for an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers, which has high strategic and ecological importance. Major trans-border rivers include:

  • Brahmaputra (在中国境内称雅鲁藏布江)
  • Indus
  • Sutlej

Significance for India

  1. Strategic Stability: Maintaining peace along LAC is crucial for regional security
  2. Water Security: Trans-border rivers have significant implications for India's water resources
  3. Bilateral Relations: Border peace is essential for overall India-China relations normalization
  4. Economic Cooperation: Stability can facilitate better trade relations

Constitutional and Legal Framework

  • Article 246: Distribution of powers between Union and States (border states have relevant jurisdictions)
  • Border management falls under the Union List of the Seventh Schedule
  • ITBP Act, 1992: Governs the border-guarding force operations