India and China on Saturday resolved to intensify efforts to achieve a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to their vexed dispute at an early date.
The two countries also agreed that pending the final resolution of the boundary question, it was important for them to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and to ensure that the boundary question did not affect the overall development of the bilateral relationship.
The decisions were taken at the 21st round of talks between Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China on the boundary issue in the Chinese city of Chengdu. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are the designated SRs on the two sides.
An official statement issued at the end of the meeting said the talks were constructive and forward looking, and focused on taking forward the India-China closer developmental partnership in pursuance of the guidance provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at their Informal Summit at Wuhan in April.
They undertook a comprehensive review of earlier rounds of talks under the SR mechanism. Recalling the strategic guidance and support to their work provided by their leaders at the Wuhan Summit, the SRs underlined the importance of approaching the boundary question from the strategic perspective of India-China relations and agreed that an early settlement of the boundary question served the fundamental interests of both countries.
They also noted the mature handling of issues relating to the India-China border areas since the Wuhan Summit.
Acknowledging the importance of predictability in border management, and in that context, underscoring the importance of maintaining strategic communication at all levels, the SRs held discussions on various confidence-building measures to promote exchanges and communication between their border personnel. They directed the bilateral working mechanism on consultation and coordination for border affairs to work out further details in this regard.
The SRs reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations following the Wuhan Summit and subsequent meetings between PM Modi and President Xi in Qingdao in June and in Johannesburg in July.
They underlined the importance of sustained and effective implementation of the directions given by their leaders with a view to further strengthening the closer developmental partnership between India and China to mutual benefit and with due respect for each other’s sensitivities, concerns and aspirations.
They shared the view that stable and balanced development of India-China relations is a positive factor for peace and prosperity in the region and the whole world.
The SRs also exchanged views on regional and global issues of common interest and agreed to maintain close consultations on such issues.