Special representatives of India and China yesterday began two-day talks that will focus on devising a framework for a final settlement of their decades-old boundary dispute.

While the Indian delegation was headed by National Security Adviser MK Narayanan at the 13th round of boundary talks, the Chinese delegation was led by Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Dai Bingguo.

Foreign Secretary' Nirupama Rao, a former ambassador to Beijing, and officials of the external affairs ministry and the prime minister's office (PMO) were also part of the Indian delegation.

Besides Dai, the Chinese delegation had Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and officials of the defence ministry and department of boundary and ocean affairs.

The 13th rounds of talks are being held against the backdrop of China's renewed assertions over Arunachal Pradesh, India's northeastern state that is claimed in ent irety by both countries.

fhe two special representatives are likely to focus on bridging the gapon die interpretation of poll deal parameters and guidingprinciples finalised during Chinese Prem ierWen Jiabao's visit to India in2005.