Expert Panel Set Up As India, China Reaffirm Commitment To Border Resolution
The expert group will operate under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs
In a significant diplomatic development, India and China on Tuesday agreed to establish an expert group tasked with exploring early solutions for boundary delimitation.
The decision was made during the 24th round of Special Representatives' talks, co-chaired by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The expert group will operate under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC). Its primary role will be to identify early outcomes and work towards clarifying and resolving parts of the longstanding border dispute between the two countries.
In a press note, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, 'Setting up a Working Group, under the WMCC, to advance effective border management in order to maintain peace and tranquillity in India-China border areas."
Both sides emphasised the importance of adhering to a 'fair, reasonable, and mutually accepted framework," in accordance with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question.
In addition to the expert group, the two nations agreed to strengthen border management by creating general-level mechanisms in the eastern and middle sectors, complementing the existing mechanism in the western sector.
Establishment of an Expert Group under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) to explore early outcomes in boundary delimitation.
Creation of a Working Group under WMCC to improve day-to-day border management.
Expansion of general-level military communication mechanisms to include the eastern and middle sectors, alongside the existing western sector.
Use of military and diplomatic channels to discuss de-escalation and maintain calm on the border.
Both sides agreed to continue using existing communication and crisis management mechanisms, with plans to hold the next round of talks in China at a 'mutually convenient time".
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