India, China set up working mechanism to resolve boundary issues

January 17, 2012 | National News | Written by

New Delhi, Jan.17: India and China on Tuesday agreed to establish a working mechanism for consultation and coordination on the boundary issue to maintain peace and tranquility along the India-China border.

The agreement was reached at the 15th round of Special Representative talks that were held on Monday and Tuesday. The Indian delegation was led by National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, while the Chinese team was led by State Councillor Dai Bingguo.

Both sides agreed that the working mechanism will be headed by a joint secretary level official from the Ministry of External Affairs and a director general level official from the Chinese foreign ministry will be composed of diplomatic and military officials.

It was agreed that the working mechanism would study ways and means to conduct and strengthen exchanges and cooperation between military personnel and establishments of the two sides in the border areas and will also explore the possibility of cooperation in the border areas.

Both sides also agreed that the working mechanism would undertake other tasks that are mutually agreed upon by the two sides, but would not discuss the resolution of the boundary question or affect the special representatives mechanism.

It will address issues and situations that may arise in the border areas that affect the maintenance of peace and tranquillity and will work actively towards maintaining the friendly atmosphere between the two countries.

It will hold consultations once or twice every year alternately in India and China. Emergency consultations, if required, may be convened after mutual agreement.

The agreement comes into effect from January 17, 2012, and in case of divergence, the English text shall prevail. (ANI)