The Special Representative mechanism on the IndiaâÂÂChina boundary question (SR/SRM) was constituted in 2003 to "explore from the political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship the framework of a boundary settlement". Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in the capacity of Minister of External Affairs of India, had first suggested the SR mechanism during his visit to China in 1979. During another visit to China by Vajpayee, this time in the capacity of Prime Minister, in June 2003, the mechanism was mentioned in an agreement between the two countries. The latest mention of the SR mechanism was in a joint press statement between India and China on 10 September 2020.
During the 4th round of talks in 2004, Dai Bingguo suggested that the SR mechanism follow a 3 step formula for the settlement of the IndiaâÂÂChina boundary question:
The first step was completed with the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the IndiaâÂÂChina Boundary Question being signed in 2005. The second phase of negotiations began with the sixth round of talks.
During the 15th round of the SR talks in 2012, the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination was set up.
A former ambassador of India, Sourabh Kumar, questioned the three step approach, saying that it could be approached in a reverse manner.
Sinologist B. R. Deepak says that within three years, the SR mechanism, along with other CBMs, were redundant and consistently violated.