NSA Ajit Doval with China Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, China.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
India and China have agreed to advance negotiations on a framework for the settlement of their boundary dispute and strengthen mechanisms for managing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) while also deepening cooperation in border trade and pilgrimage, in a fresh effort to consolidate peace and stability along the border and improve bilateral ties.
The understanding was reached during the 25th round of talks between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on August 25, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
In an eight-point outcome issued by the MEA on Wednesday, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to guidance from the leaders of the two countries and to maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas to create conditions for the “healthy and steady development” of bilateral relations.
The latest talks come ahead of the BRICS Summit in India, which Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend, as the two countries seek to stabilise ties after years of tensions along the LAC.
Significantly, the Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation and the Working Group on Border Management under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) will take forward discussions on an “early and substantial harvest” on boundary delimitation and border management, the MEA statement noted. Their first task will be to finalise their respective terms of reference.
“The two sides agreed that any situation 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 resolve outstanding issues and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the LAC. The two sides discussed ways to improve understanding of LAC in appropriate areas, for better border management,” the statement highlighted.
The countries appreciated the reopening of the three designated border trading points, that could help revive local economies and restore livelihoods. India appreciated the efforts made by the Chinese to increase the batches of Indian official pilgrimage Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. “The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in border trade, pilgrimage and other areas, with the view to work together to create an atmosphere featuring dialogue, peace, consultation and cooperation in the border areas,” the statement said.
The two sides also 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 and subsequent consensus reached during the Special Representatives’ talks.
As part of efforts to strengthen border management, India and China agreed to add two meeting points for General-Level Mechanism/Senior Highest Military Commander meetings. They also agreed to establish two additional channels for military hotlines in the eastern and middle sectors.
Published on August 26, 2026
