India and China have agreed to advance discussions on an “Early and Substantial Harvest” of boundary delimitation, with Expert and Working Groups tasked to finalise terms of reference.

The eight‑point consensus reached in Beijing also includes new military hotlines, additional meeting points, and enhanced cooperation on trade, pilgrimage, and trans‑border rivers.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation and the Working Group on Border Management under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination will separately advance discussions.

Their first responsibility will be to agree on their respective Terms of Reference, providing a structured framework for future engagement.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co‑chaired the 25th round of Special Representatives’ Talks in Beijing. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement of the India‑China Boundary Question, as well as consensus reached in subsequent talks. The objective remains to find a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution.

The two sides agreed that any situation arising on the ground would be addressed promptly through existing diplomatic and military channels. These include the WMCC, local commander‑level meetings, and other agreed mechanisms, aimed at resolving outstanding issues and avoiding misunderstanding or miscalculation along the Line of Actual Control.

India and China discussed ways to improve their understanding of the LAC in appropriate areas to strengthen border management. With this objective, they agreed to establish two additional meeting points for the General Level Mechanism or Senior Highest Military Commander meetings.

Similarly, two additional channels of border military hotlines in the Eastern and Middle Sectors were agreed, providing more avenues for direct contact during situations requiring immediate clarification.

Progress in trans‑border cooperation was noted. India appreciated China’s efforts to increase the number of batches for the Kailash‑Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet. Both sides welcomed the reopening of three designated border trading points.

They agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in border trade, pilgrimage, and other areas, with the aim of creating an atmosphere of dialogue, peace, consultation, and cooperation in the border regions.

The two sides agreed to convene the next meeting of the Expert‑Level Mechanism on Trans‑border Rivers in September. They will maintain communication on issues including hydrological data sharing and renewal of relevant memoranda of understanding. Cooperation on rivers originating in Tibet remains an important component of bilateral engagement.

The talks also carried broader strategic significance. Chinese officials emphasised that India and China, as major developing countries and representatives of emerging economies, must view relations from a long‑term perspective.

They noted that stability along the LAC is essential for healthy bilateral ties and contributes to wider regional stability. Indian officials reiterated that clarifying perceptions of the LAC is vital to reducing incidents between patrols in overlapping claim areas, a concern dating back to the 1996 confidence‑building measures agreement.

The 26th round of Special Representatives’ Talks will be held in India in 2027. This latest consensus signals fresh momentum in managing the boundary question through diplomatic and military mechanisms, while maintaining peace and tranquillity along the frontier.

ANI