India-China Relations: A Positive Direction

• The 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) between India and China, led by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Aairs Minister Wang Yi, marked a significant step towards restoration of ties.

• The meeting aimed to resolve disputes over the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a broader boundary dispute.

• The decision to hold the SR talks signals India’s willingness to move forward on other mechanisms for talks with Beijing.

• Agreements include restarting the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra from India, border trade in Sikkim, and data sharing for trans-boundary rivers.

• The SR talks yielded “six consensuses” and “positive directions” on the boundary issue, including implementing the LAC de-escalation process, strengthening Condence Building Measures, enhancing coordination of the SR process, and holding the next Doval-Wang talks in 2025 in India.

• The meeting signals a momentum in reengagement after four years of military tensions and suspension of regular contact.

• The government must ensure greater transparency in its conversations with Beijing over future steps in normalising ties, dismantling buffer zones, restoration of status quo, and mechanisms for future deterrence against aggression at the India-China boundary.