Leaders agree to form expert group for early border resolution, resume direct flights, and increase Kailash-Manasarovar pilgrimage access.
Major Diplomatic Breakthrough Between India and China
In a significant step toward stabilizing bilateral relations, India and China have agreed to fast-track discussions on boundary delimitation and explore a long-term resolution to the border dispute. This decision was made after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Key Outcomes of the India-China Talks
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides agreed on several major points:
- Establishing an Expert Group to explore an “Early Harvest” in boundary delimitation
- Resuming direct flights between the two countries at the earliest
- Increasing the scale of Indian pilgrimages to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar
- Reopening border trade through three key passes: Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La, and Nathu La
India-China Boundary Talks: 24th Round of Dialogue
The meeting between Ajit Doval and Wang Yi marked the 24th round of the Special Representatives (SR) Dialogue on the boundary issue. Both sides:
- Reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas
- Agreed that recent years have seen progress in implementing consensus from prior high-level meetings, including the one in Kazan
- Committed to a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable” framework for boundary settlement under the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles
Working Groups and Mechanisms to Be Set Up
As part of the agreement:
- A new Expert Group will function under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC)
- Discussions on de-escalation and effective border management will continue
- New General Level Mechanisms will be established in the Eastern and Middle sectors, in addition to the existing one in the Western Sector
Geopolitical Context: A Balancing Act
The renewed engagement comes at a time of shifting global alignments:
- The US recently announced 25% tariffs on India and an additional levy for buying Russian oil
- US-China tensions over tariffs remain ongoing
- The boundary dialogue is seen as a strategic counter to growing external pressures on both nations
Looking Ahead: Cooperation Over Conflict
India and China are working to move beyond the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and subsequent military standoff. The resumption of structured talks, direct flights, and religious pilgrimages are signals of a thaw in relations, with both sides recognizing the mutual benefits of a peaceful and cooperative border.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also set to attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, further solidifying diplomatic engagement.
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