India China Move Ahead On Boundary Talks With Early Harvest Plan On Delimitation

India and China have agreed to advance discussions on an “Early and Substantial Harvest” of boundary delimitation and border management, signalling a fresh effort to strengthen stability along their disputed frontier.

The understanding was reached during the 25th round of Special Representatives talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. The two sides arrived at eight points of consensus and reaffirmed their commitment to finding a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary dispute.

Under the latest arrangement, the Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) will advance discussions on boundary delimitation and border management. The first priority for the groups will be to finalise their respective terms of reference.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen mechanisms for addressing situations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Any developments on the ground will be dealt with through established diplomatic and military channels, including WMCC meetings, local commander-level talks and other agreed mechanisms to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations.

India and China further agreed to improve mutual understanding of the LAC in appropriate areas. Two additional meeting points for senior military commander-level meetings and two additional border military hotline channels in the eastern and middle sectors were also agreed upon.

The talks covered cooperation on trans-border rivers, with the next meeting of the Expert-Level Mechanism scheduled for September. Both sides will continue discussions on hydrological data sharing and the renewal of relevant memoranda of understanding.

The two countries also welcomed progress in border-related exchanges, including the reopening of three designated border trading points and increased batches for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The talks assume added significance ahead of the expected visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to India for the upcoming BRICS summit.

India and China agreed to hold the 26th round of Special Representatives talks in India in 2027, keeping the diplomatic process focused on reducing tensions and maintaining peace along the 3,488-km boundary.