The Expert-Level Mechanism (ELM) on Trans-border Rivers is an institutional mechanism and a structured, ongoing dialogue between India and China to discuss issues concerning their shared trans-border rivers. It was established through a Joint Declaration in 2006 to address the challenges of managing shared water resources, particularly the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) and Sutlej (Langqen Zangbo) rivers. The ELM was created to foster technical cooperation and provide a channel for communication despite broader geopolitical complexities and the absence of a comprehensive water-sharing treaty between the two nations.
The mechanism works by holding meetings that alternate annually between Indian and Chinese venues, with the 14th meeting successfully convened in India in June 2023. Key provisions of the ELM include addressing hydrological data provision during flood seasons, discussing emergency management protocols, and reviewing the effectiveness of data transmission. The ELM is closely connected to the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on the provision of hydrological information for the Brahmaputra River and the Sutlej River, which China provides to India for flood forecasting and mitigation. For instance, the MoU on the Brahmaputra was signed in 2002 and renewed periodically, with the latest renewal process underway as the MoUs expired in 2023. The ELM also connects to the broader Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs, with recent discussions in August 2026 reaffirming the commitment to hold the next ELM meeting and maintain communication on data sharing and renewal of relevant agreements. The mechanism itself has remained a durable channel since 2006, though the MoUs it oversees are periodically renewed or are currently undergoing renegotiation.