India, China will talk border again, in the Nilgiris

Within three months of the last round of boundary talks, India and China have decided to hold another round of negotiations between the two Special Representatives next week.

Within three months of the last round of boundary talks, India and China have decided to hold another round of negotiations between the two Special Representatives next week. And this time, plans are afoot to take the Chinese delegation led by Vice-Minister Dai Bingguo to the Nilgiris.

While details of the visit are still being worked out, it8217;s learnt that talks will be held from April 20 to 23 with Dai expected to spend a day in Delhi before leaving for Ooty and Coonoor in the Nilgiris. National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, who is the Indian Special Representative, is said to have come up with this idea.

Usually, both countries alternate turns at hosting the talks and by that logic the tenth round of talks should have been hosted by Beijing. However, Narayanan was apparently keen to take Dai to an Indian hill station during the summer season and so, it was felt China could also hold consecutive rounds.

In the last three rounds of talks that Dai has come here for, he has been taken to tourist locations away from Delhi. First it was the backwaters of Kerala, then Khajuraho and now the Nilgiris. This is one dimension added to the SR level talks by Narayanan.

On a more serious note, both sides will be looking to make some progress towards preparing a framework agreement for the boundary settlement. While China feels that the boundary question should not impede progress on other facets of the bilateral relationship, India is keen to ensure that focus is not lifted from this issue. Having agreed to broad political parameters and principles to be applied to resolve this issue, the two sides are now involved on the key question of Arunachal Pradesh. Specifically, India is keen that China drops it claim to Tawang to begin with.

However, Beijing has been reluctant to move in that direction and continues to push with its old claim over the state. Coming against the backdrop of yesterday8217;s successful Agni-III test, both sides will look to test waters as New Delhi hopes to make some headway at what will be a crucial round of talks. Progress may also lead to planning a possible Prime Ministerial visit to China.