Beijing: India and China on Monday began the eighth round of talks on their boundary dispute since the appointment of special representatives at the political level in 2003.

National Security Adviser M. K. Narayanan and Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo met at the Diaoyutai State Guest house here for the first day of talks, which are expected to conclude on Tuesday. The two had met informally on Sunday in Xian, where they had the opportunity to interact outside of the strict protocol confines of formal negotiation.

In camera

As in the case of the other seven preceding rounds of dialogue, the talks were held in camera and details of what was discussed will not be made public. The focus of the current round of talks is on devising an agreed framework for a settlement of the border issue on the basis of the "political parameters and guiding principles" finalised during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India in 2005.

Mr. Narayanan also paid a courtesy call on Mr. Wen, who told him that bilateral ties were in a "good shape."

"You are not only the Special Representative [for the India-China border talks] but also a friendship envoy," exulted Mr. Wen.

The last round of talks between Mr. Narayanan and Mr. Dai took place in March in India. Following that round, Mr. Narayanan said that he was hopeful that the basic framework of a "package deal" on the boundary issue would be agreed upon within the next two or three rounds of dialogue.

The new round of negotiations is taking place close on the heels of a visit to China by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

The first ever Memorandum of Understanding between the defence ministries of the Himalayan neighbours was signed during his visit.

Several other high level exchanges are being planned, including a visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao to India later in the year.

Cultural ties

Cultural ties are also being strengthened after a 40-year period of deep-freeze. India and China are currently celebrating a "Year of Friendship." Film festivals are being planned and the ancient link of Buddhism that threaded the two countries together centuries ago is being highlighted through photo exhibitions and the building of an Indian stupa-style temple in Henan province.

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