Beijing, April 20

India and China today agreed to adhere to “peaceful negotiations” to settle the vexed border issue and reach a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution”, amid negativity over Beijing’s blocking of India’s bid in the UN to ban Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar.The decision was taken during the annual 19th round of boundary talks between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. Both leaders had an “extensive, deep and candid” discussion on the 3,488 km-long Line of Actual Control, which remains undemarcated resulting in tensions between the two nations.Besides the border issue, Doval and Yang have a larger mandate to discuss all contentious bilateral, regional and international matters.Welcoming Doval, Yang in his opening remarks at the meeting said: “Your visit fully signifies the importance Indian side attaches to this meeting and the efforts to further promote the strategic partnership between China and India. China-India relations carry special significance. China stands ready to use this important occasion to have a broad-ranging in-depth and candid discussion with Indian side on the bilateral relations, boundary question, regional and international issues and other issues of shared interest.” Doval spoke about the importance of informal talks, saying “not talking from the mind but also from the heart”.