India and China continue their long-standing efforts to resolve the boundary dispute in 2025. Despite decades of negotiations, the border issue remains unsettled. Recent talks between Special Representatives (SR) of both countries have revived hopes for a breakthrough after years of tension and limited communication.
Historical Context of India-China Border Relations
The India-China border dispute dates back to the 1962 war. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 1979 visit to China marked the first high-level engagement after the conflict. Although Deng Xiaoping offered a deal on the border, India was not ready to accept it. Relations oscillated over the years, with nuclear tests in 1998 worsening ties. Yet, dialogue resumed, culminating in the appointment of Special Representatives in 2003 to focus on border talks.
The Political Parameters Agreement of 2005
This agreement is the only formal document outlining a framework for border settlement. It proposed a territorial swap – India would recognise China’s control over Aksai Chin, and China would acknowledge India’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh. The agreement stressed that the boundary should be based on natural geographical features and consider strategic and security interests. It also brought into light the importance of protecting settled populations in border areas. The deal aimed to shift from technical disputes to a political solution.
Challenges in Implementation and Subsequent Developments
Despite the 2005 agreement, progress stalled. China’s later stance on Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Tawang region, complicated talks. The Special Representatives continued dialogue but lacked the strong political backing Vajpayee once provided. Incidents like the 2014 Chumar clash, 2017 Doklam standoff, and 2020 border crisis further strained relations. Between 2019 and 2024, formal talks ceased, resuming only after the 2024 BRICS summit.
Current Status and Future Directions
The 24th round of SR talks in August 2025 reaffirmed commitment to the 2005 Political Parameters agreement. Both sides agreed to establish a special expert group to achieve an early harvest agreement, focusing initially on the Sikkim-Tibet border. They also plan to develop new border management protocols to prevent future conflicts. Despite these efforts, military forces remain heavily deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), reflecting ongoing mistrust.
Strategic Implications of the Border Dispute
The unresolved border affects broader India-China relations and regional stability. Military deployments impose economic and human costs. The dispute also influences India’s ties with neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar, as trijunction points require their consultation. Political will from both capitals remains crucial to convert agreements into lasting peace and normalisation.
Significance of Political Leadership
The pace of negotiations has often mirrored the political focus on the issue. Vajpayee’s tenure saw rapid diplomatic moves, while subsequent governments showed varied engagement. The current revival owes much to leadership directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. A final settlement will depend on their readiness to prioritise peace over territorial claims.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss in the light of India-China border disputes, the role of political leadership in resolving international conflicts with reference to the 2005 Political Parameters agreement.
- Critically examine the impact of unresolved border disputes on regional security and economic development in South Asia, with examples from India-China relations.
- Explain the significance of natural geographical features in international boundary settlements and how they influence diplomatic negotiations, citing the India-China border talks.
- With suitable examples, discuss the challenges and strategies of managing border conflicts between nuclear-armed neighbours, focusing on India and China.
