New Delhi, August 27: Special representatives from India and China held the 25th round of border talks in Beijing on August 26. India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Affairs Chief and Special Representative Wang Yi engaged in extensive discussions regarding the border dispute. Following the talks, both nations reached an agreement on eight key points aimed at maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and advancing dialogue towards resolving the border issue.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in border areas, fostering a conducive environment for the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.
They agreed to continue discussions on the framework for border resolution based on the political parameters and guiding principles established in the 2005 border dispute resolution agreement and subsequent special representative talks. The goal is to achieve a fair, just, and mutually acceptable solution.
It was decided that expert groups on border demarcation and the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) would continue their discussions separately. The first task for both groups will be to define their respective areas of work.
Both parties also agreed that any situation along the LAC would be addressed promptly through existing diplomatic and military mechanisms, such as the WMCC, local commander-level meetings, and other established arrangements, to avoid misunderstandings and tensions.
To strengthen border management, they agreed to hold meetings of senior military commanders at two new meeting sites. Additionally, two new military hotlines will be established in the eastern and central sectors.
Both nations welcomed progress in cross-border cooperation. India appreciated the increase in the number of batches of Indian official pilgrims allowed by China for the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage. They also welcomed the reopening of three designated border trade centers and agreed to enhance cooperation in border trade, pilgrimage, and other areas.
India and China also agreed to hold the next meeting of the expert-level mechanism on transboundary rivers in September, where issues such as data exchange on water flow and the renewal of related agreements will be discussed.
Furthermore, both countries decided that the 26th round of talks between special representatives will be held in India in 2027.
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