India, China Agree on Border Mechanisms and Direct Flights

Spread love

Wang Yi’s visit sees India and China reaffirm commitment to peace at borders, resumption of flights, and expanded pilgrimages

By TRH Global Affairs Desk

NEW DELHI, August 19, 2025 — India and China concluded a high-level round of talks in New Delhi on Tuesday, with both sides announcing a series of measures aimed at stabilizing relations, enhancing connectivity, and addressing the long-standing boundary question.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC), visited India from August 18–19 at the invitation of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Wang co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the boundary issue with Doval and held separate talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Boundary Question and Border Mechanisms

Both nations emphasized the importance of “strategic guidance” from their leaders in steering ties. They agreed to advance discussions on a fair and mutually acceptable framework for boundary settlement in line with the 2005 agreement on political parameters.

The two sides announced the creation of new Expert and Working Groups under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) to explore early steps in boundary delimitation and effective border management. They also agreed to expand the existing General-Level mechanisms in the Western Sector to the Eastern and Middle Sectors of the boundary per the statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Importantly, both countries reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), stressing that border stability was essential for broader bilateral ties.

Connectivity, Trade, and Pilgrimage

India and China agreed to resume direct flights between the mainland and India “at the earliest” and finalize an updated Air Services Agreement. “Both sides also committed to easing visa processes for tourists, businesses, and media professionals,” said Chinese MFA in a statement.

In a significant move, border trade will reopen through the three designated points — Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass, and Nathu La Pass.

China also agreed to expand Indian pilgrimages to Mount Kailash (Gang Renpoche) and Lake Manasarovar (Mapam Yun Tso) in Tibet starting in 2026.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

Beijing welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, while New Delhi reaffirmed its support for China’s SCO presidency. Both sides pledged mutual support for hosting BRICS summits — India in 2026 and China in 2027.

On trans-border rivers, the two countries agreed to strengthen the Expert Level Mechanism and share hydrological information during emergencies, with China pledging humanitarian support.

Anniversaries and People-to-People Exchanges

Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, both sides agreed to support commemorative events. They also decided to revive official dialogue mechanisms, including the High-level Mechanism on People-to-People Exchanges in 2026.

Strategic Outlook

India and China also underlined their shared commitment to multilateralism, WTO-centered trade rules, and a multipolar world order that protects the interests of developing countries.

While the announcements reflect a positive step in ties strained since the 2020 border clashes, analysts caution that the real test lies in the implementation of commitments and sustained management of border tensions.

Follow The Raisina Hills on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn