A method for initializing the border gateway protocol (BGP) on network devices. The method includes initializing, by a first network device, a BPG session with a second network device. The method further includes receiving, by the first network device from the second network device, route updates and an end of routing information base (EOR) marker. The method further includes updating an n_EOR variable maintained by the first network device after receiving the EOR marker and, after updating the n_EOR variable, determining that the first network device has received route updates from all peer network devices, and subsequently updating, in the first network device, a routing information base (RIB) using route updates received from the peer network devices. The method further includes updating, in the first network device, a forwarding information base (FIB) using the updated RIB and advertising, to all peer network devices by the first network device, routes.