India, China agree to advance boundary talks, strengthen LAC management

India and China have agreed to advance negotiations on a framework to settle their boundary dispute and strengthen mechanisms for managing the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to an eight-point outcome from the 25th round of Special Representatives talks in Beijing on August 25. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with both sides reaffirming guidance from their leaders to maintain peace along the border.

The two sides agreed to push for an 'Early and Substantial Harvest' on boundary delimitation, with expert and working groups tasked to first finalise their terms of reference. The Hindu Businessline reports the understanding was reached ahead of the BRICS Summit in India, which Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend. Hindustan Times adds that the development comes amid reports of a fresh face-off in Arunachal Pradesh in July.

India and China also agreed to add two meeting points for senior military commanders and two additional military hotlines in the eastern and middle sectors of the LAC. The Indian side appreciated China's efforts to increase batches for the Kailash-Manasarovar pilgrimage. The next round of Special Representatives' talks is set for India in 2027, while an Expert-Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers will meet in September.