The Assam government has stepped up efforts to resolve its long-standing boundary disputes with neighbouring states through dialogue and negotiations. The initiative focuses on finding peaceful solutions to border differences with Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram.
The government has already made progress in talks with some neighbouring states. Assam has signed agreements with Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh as part of the settlement process. At the same time, discussions with Mizoram and Nagaland remain important for resolving the remaining disputes.
Read More: Search for 5 Army Personnel Missing in Arunachal Flash Flood Continues
The issue has remained a major concern in the Northeast for decades. Disputes over the inter-state boundaries have affected several districts and border communities. The Assam government now wants to use negotiations and regional mechanisms to reduce differences and prevent local tensions from escalating.
Assam Steps Up Efforts to Resolve Border Disputes
Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora said the state government has made progress in resolving its boundary disputes with neighbouring states. He said the government continues to pursue dialogue with the states involved.
The Assam Assembly discussed the issue in July. During the discussion, Bora informed legislators that 82,751.86 hectares of land across 18 Assam districts remain under the control of neighbouring states. Nagaland accounts for the largest share, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Meghalaya.
The government has maintained that negotiations offer the best route towards a lasting settlement. Therefore, it has continued discussions with neighbouring states while also taking steps to protect people living in border areas.
The Assam government has also created a dedicated Border Protection and Development Department. The department handles inter-state border matters involving Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and other neighbouring states. It also coordinates development and law-and-order measures in border areas.
Assam-Arunachal Border Talks Make Progress
The Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute has seen significant progress in recent years. The two states share an 804.1-kilometre inter-state boundary. The dispute involved claims over several villages along the border.
The two governments created 12 regional committees to jointly examine the disputed areas. The committees included elected representatives and administrative officials from both states. They also engaged with local communities to understand their concerns.
In July 2022, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh signed the Namsai Declaration. The agreement reduced the number of disputed villages under consideration from 123 to 86. Later, the two states signed an agreement in New Delhi in April 2023. The agreement resolved the status of 71 villages and set a process for addressing the remaining areas.
The process has continued since then. In June 2026, Assam Minister Atul Bora said the regional committee working on the remaining areas was making progress. He also said that the people living along the border had responded positively to the process.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has maintained regular communication with his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart on the issue. The state government wants the remaining differences to reach an amicable settlement.
Meghalaya Boundary Issue Also Under Discussion
Assam has also continued efforts to resolve its boundary differences with Meghalaya. The two states have identified 12 areas of difference along their border.
The governments earlier created regional committees to examine the first six areas. These committees consulted local residents and community organisations before submitting their recommendations.
Based on the committee recommendations, Assam and Meghalaya signed an agreement in March 2022. The agreement covered the first six areas of difference. The Survey of India has since worked on the demarcation process in those areas.
The two states now need to address the remaining six areas. In July, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said the state was waiting for formal communication from Assam after the neighbouring state reconstituted its regional committee. He said the two Chief Ministers would decide the next steps after the communication arrives.
The latest developments indicate that both sides want to continue negotiations. However, differences over specific areas still need further discussion before the process can reach a final conclusion.
Assam-Mizoram Talks Remain Important
The Assam-Mizoram boundary dispute presents another challenge for the state government. The two states share a boundary of around 164.6 kilometres. They have held several rounds of discussions over the years.
The two sides have agreed in principle to maintain peace and work towards a negotiated settlement. However, differences remain over the historical basis of the boundary.
Mizoram has also called for further official-level talks. In July 2026, Mizoram Home Minister Vanlalruata said his government had suggested dates for the next round of discussions and was waiting for Assam’s response. The previous official-level meeting took place in Guwahati in April 2025.
The Assam government will therefore need to continue communication with Mizoram to restart the formal dialogue process. Both sides face pressure to prevent local disputes from turning into larger law-and-order problems.
Nagaland Border Dispute Remains Complex
The Assam-Nagaland boundary dispute remains one of the most complicated border issues in the region. The two states have a long history of disagreements over their boundary.
The matter is also before the Supreme Court. Assam filed a case seeking identification of the boundary and protection of its constitutional territory. The legal process continues alongside efforts to maintain peace in the border areas.
Despite the legal proceedings, Assam continues to take measures to protect residents and maintain law and order along the border. The state government also conducts development programmes in border areas.
In June 2026, Assam and Nagaland signed a tripartite agreement with the Union government to facilitate mineral oil operations in their boundary areas. The agreement marked a significant example of cooperation between the two states despite their long-standing boundary dispute.
Focus on Peaceful Negotiations
The Assam government’s latest approach places greater emphasis on dialogue and cooperation. Instead of relying only on legal or administrative measures, the state is working with neighbouring governments through regional committees and bilateral discussions.
This approach can also benefit people living in border areas. Many communities have faced uncertainty because of competing territorial claims. A mutually accepted settlement could provide greater clarity and improve access to development and public services.
The government also wants to prevent border disagreements from affecting relations between ordinary residents. Community participation has therefore become an important part of the regional committee process.
Development Along Border Areas
Alongside the negotiations, Assam is focusing on development in border regions. The government says better roads, public services and basic infrastructure can improve the lives of people living in remote areas.
The Border Protection and Development Department coordinates several such initiatives. It also works with other government departments on development programmes within inter-state border areas.
Development can play an important role in maintaining stability. Stronger infrastructure can improve connectivity and make it easier for government agencies to deliver services.
Assam Seeks Lasting Solution
The Assam government’s renewed push for dialogue reflects its effort to settle border disputes through peaceful negotiations. The state has already achieved progress with Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, while discussions with Mizoram and Nagaland continue.
The process will not be easy. Historical claims, land ownership and local concerns have created complex differences between the states. However, regional committees, joint surveys and direct talks can help build trust between the governments.
For Assam, the priority now remains a permanent and mutually acceptable settlement. The government wants to protect its territorial interests while also maintaining peace along its borders.
As talks continue, the success of the process will depend on cooperation between Assam and its neighbouring states. Continued political dialogue, community participation and effective implementation of agreements could help bring an end to several decades of boundary-related tensions across the Northeast.
Read More: Arunachal CM Pema Khandu Submits 10-Year Development Report to Amit Shah