New Delhi, Aug 27 (NVI) An eight-point consensus has been reached between India and China with the aim of strengthening border management, advancing boundary delimitation talks and improving bilateral communication.
The understanding was reached at the 25th round of talks between the Special Representatives — India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border and creating conditions for the steady development of bilateral relations.
Under the consensus, the two countries agreed to advance negotiations on a framework for resolving the boundary question in accordance with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question.
The Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation and the Working Group on Border Management under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs will take forward discussions on an “Early and Substantial Harvest” in boundary delimitation and border management. Their first task will be to agree on their respective terms of reference.
Both sides also agreed that situations on the ground would be addressed promptly through existing diplomatic and military channels, including the WMCC, local commander-level meetings and other agreed mechanisms, to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations along the Line of Actual Control.
As part of efforts to improve border management, India and China agreed to add two meeting points for the General Level Mechanism/Senior Highest Military Commander meetings.
The two sides also agreed to establish two additional border military hotline channels in the Eastern and Middle Sectors.
The consensus further noted progress in trans-border cooperation, including the reopening of three designated border trading points and increased batches of Indian pilgrims undertaking the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.
India and China agreed to strengthen cooperation in border trade, pilgrimage and other areas.
The two sides will also hold the next meeting of the India-China Expert-Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers in September and continue discussions on hydrological data sharing and renewal of relevant memorandums of understanding.
The next round of talks between the Special Representatives is to be held in India next year. (NVI)
