o Stage 1- agreement on the broad principles and political parameters that will be followed for resolving the border dispute.

o Stage 2- negotiating the broad framework for resolving disputes in all sectors

o Stage 3- delineating the border in maps and on ground

♤ In 2005, an agreement was reached on the “political parameters & guiding principles” (stage 1 of negotiations was completed) that should be followed to resolve the boundary dispute.

1.4.1. Progress in Negotiations Since 2005

♤ Currently the talks are in the second stage. In December 2017 SR meeting was the 20th round of negotiations to come to an agreement upon the broad framework, after which the talks can enter the last stage.

♤ Some observers have voiced their opinion that the talks have been stuck in a deadlock in the 2nd stage of the three staged process.

♤ In November 2013, when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Beijing, both sides signed a Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) aimed at expanding on the ground engagement and formalising patrolling rules to prevent recurrence of stand-offs.