India and China are back at the negotiating table, but the stakes remain high. The 25th round of Special Representatives talks in Beijing brings NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi together to address the long-running boundary question. While both sides point to progress in restoring cross-border exchanges and maintaining peace along the border, the core territorial dispute remains unresolved. From the LAC and border stability to the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and border trade, the latest dialogue could offer important clues about the future direction of India-China relations. Here is what emerged from the crucial Beijing talks.
Shailesh Kumar, National Defence
New Delhi / Beijing, 25th August 2026
India and China have held the 25th round of the Special Representatives (SR) Talks on the India-China Boundary Question, with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chairing the discussions in Beijing.
Doval, who is India’s Special Representative for the India-China Boundary Question, visited Beijing on August 24–25 at the invitation of Wang Yi. The latest round of talks comes as New Delhi and Beijing continue efforts to stabilise bilateral relations and maintain peace and tranquillity along their disputed border.
Focus on Boundary Question and Border Stability
During the talks, the two sides reviewed progress in implementing the important understandings reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at their meetings in Kazan in October 2024 and Tianjin in August 2025 .
India and China also noted the gradual resumption of people-to-people and cross-border exchanges. These include the ongoing Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and border trade through the three designated border trading passes.
The resumption of such exchanges is being viewed as an important component of efforts to gradually rebuild confidence and stabilise the broader bilateral relationship.
Continued Efforts Towards a Political Settlement
Under the strategic guidance of Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping, Doval and Wang held what was described as a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the India-China Boundary Question.
The two Special Representatives agreed to continue their work towards finding a political settlement of the boundary question , taking into account the overall and long-term interests of both countries.
The Special Representatives mechanism remains one of the principal diplomatic channels through which India and China address the long-running boundary dispute. The mechanism was established in 2003 and has continued to provide a structured platform for discussions despite persistent differences between the two sides.
India Stresses Peace Along the Border
The Indian side underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas , stressing that a stable border is essential for the continued development of bilateral relations.
The emphasis on border stability comes against the backdrop of the severe deterioration in India-China ties following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the subsequent military stand-off in eastern Ladakh. Both countries have since taken diplomatic and military measures aimed at managing tensions and restoring stability.
The latest talks therefore assume significance not only for the boundary dispute but also for the broader trajectory of India-China relations.
Wider Bilateral, Regional and International Issues Discussed
Beyond the boundary question, the two sides also exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest .
The discussions reflect an effort by New Delhi and Beijing to keep diplomatic channels open while addressing outstanding differences and gradually expanding areas of engagement.
China’s Foreign Ministry has also described the Special Representatives mechanism as an important channel for negotiations on the boundary issue and for communication on wider matters of mutual interest.
Doval Meets Chinese Vice President Han Zheng
On 25 August, NSA and Special Representative on the India-China Boundary Question, Shri Ajit Doval called on H.E. Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China. Prior to the 25th Round of the SR Talks today, NSA and VP Han discussed ways to strengthen peace &… pic.twitter.com/Mm34aOiAp6
— India in China (@EOIBeijing) August 25, 2026
During his Beijing visit, NSA Ajit Doval also called on Chinese Vice President Han Zheng .
The meeting provided another opportunity for discussions on India-China relations and the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border.
A Significant Step, But Boundary Dispute Remains Unresolved
The 25th round of Special Representatives talks marks another step in India’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with China over the boundary question. While the latest discussions indicate continued communication and progress in restoring exchanges, the fundamental boundary dispute remains unresolved.
For New Delhi, maintaining peace along the border remains central to creating conditions for the broader India-China relationship to develop. The coming months will therefore be closely watched for further progress on border management, diplomatic engagement and the long-term effort towards a political settlement.
National Defence Analysis: The latest round of talks highlights a cautious but sustained effort by India and China to manage their differences through dialogue while keeping the wider bilateral relationship on a stable footing.
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