Beijing: India-China border talks moved forward significantly after both countries agreed to create two additional meeting points for senior military commanders and establish new military hotline channels along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The decision was taken during the 25th round of Special Representatives (SR) Talks on the India-China Boundary Question held in Beijing. The talks were co-chaired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
According to an official statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides reached an understanding on several important measures aimed at improving border management, maintaining peace, and strengthening bilateral relations.
What Was Decided During The India-China Border Talks
The two countries agreed to establish two new meeting points for the General Level Mechanism (GLM) and Senior Highest Military Commander (SHMC) meetings. These additional meeting points are expected to improve communication between military officials and help address issues more quickly along the border.
India and China also agreed to create two additional military hotline channels in the Eastern and Middle Sectors of the border. These hotlines will allow faster communication between military authorities during sensitive situations.
What are the Focus Areas of India-China Border Talks
The MEA said both countries agreed that any issue arising on the ground would be addressed quickly through existing diplomatic and military channels. These include:
- Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC)
- Local commander-level meetings
- Senior military meetings
- Other agreed communication mechanisms
The aim is to avoid misunderstandings, reduce tensions, and prevent miscalculations along the LAC.
New Working Groups To Speed Up Border Resolution
The two sides decided that the Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation and the Working Group on Border Management under the WMCC will advance discussions on:
Early Harvest Of Boundary Delimitation
This initiative focuses on resolving less complicated boundary issues first to build confidence and make progress on the larger border dispute.
Better Border Management
The working groups will examine ways to improve management of border areas and strengthen coordination between the two countries. Their first task will be to finalize their respective Terms of Reference.
India-China Border Talks: Commitment To Peace Along The LAC
Both India and China reaffirmed their commitment to follow the guidance provided by the leaders of the two countries. The official statement said both nations will continue efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas. The two sides also agreed to create an atmosphere that supports stable and healthy development of bilateral relations.
India-China Border Talks On Final Boundary Settlement To Continue
India and China reiterated their commitment to continue negotiations for a final settlement of the boundary issue. The discussions will be based on:
- The 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles
- Previous consensus achieved during earlier Special Representative talks
- A mutually acceptable and fair solution
Officials said the objective remains achieving a long-term and peaceful resolution of the border question.
India-China Border Talks: Progress In Trade And Pilgrimage Cooperation
Apart from border issues, both countries reviewed progress in other areas of cooperation. India appreciated China’s efforts to increase the number of batches for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra (KMY) in Tibet. Both sides also welcomed the reopening of three designated border trading points. The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in:
- Border trade
- Pilgrimage activities
- Cross-border exchanges
- Regional cooperation initiatives
Cooperation On Trans-Border Rivers
India and China agreed to hold the next meeting of the Expert-Level Mechanism on Trans-Border Rivers in September. The discussions will focus on:
- Hydrological data sharing
- Water-related cooperation
- Renewal of relevant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
This step is expected to improve coordination on river management and information exchange.
Next Round Of Talks To Be Held In India
The official statement confirmed that the 26th round of Special Representatives Talks on the boundary question will be held in India next year. Diplomatic experts believe the latest agreements show a positive effort by both countries to maintain stability along the border while continuing discussions on unresolved issues.
Read also: India-China Border Dispute: Historic 8-Point Consensus Signals Fresh Momentum
FAQs
The talks were co-chaired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
India and China agreed to establish two additional meeting points for senior military commander-level meetings and create two new military hotline channels to improve border management and communication.
The 26th round of Special Representatives Talks on the India-China boundary question will be held in India next year.
