VOI World/ Desk
India-China LAC Talks are set to gain another layer of military communication, with the two countries agreeing to establish two additional Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), although their locations are yet to be announced.
The decision follows the 25th round of talks between India and China’s Special Representatives on the boundary question. An eight-point outcome document released by both sides on August 26 said the countries had agreed to establish two additional meeting points for General-level or Senior Highest Military Commander-level interactions.
Government sources said at least two rounds of meetings between local commanders have already been held at Kepang La in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district over the past year. The discussions come as New Delhi and Beijing seek to strengthen mechanisms for communication and reduce the risk of friction along the disputed frontier.
India currently has five BPM points with China across the western and eastern sectors: Daulat Beg Oldi and Chushul in Ladakh, Nathu La in Sikkim, and Kibithu and Bum La in Arunachal Pradesh. The proposed additions would expand this established military engagement mechanism.
Kepang La has also emerged as a potential meeting location. According to government sources, China’s People’s Liberation Army had suggested last year that Kepang La in Tuting be declared a mutually agreed meeting point for flag meetings and other high-level interactions.
The location carries additional significance because of its religious importance to communities on both sides of the border and its proximity to the Chortan Buddhist holy site.
The Ministry of Defence has previously described the BPM mechanism as an important interface where local issues can be discussed and resolved, helping foster confidence between the two sides and maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC.
For India-China LAC Talks, the planned expansion of these meeting points signals an effort to strengthen direct military communication alongside the broader boundary dialogue.
