India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has arrived in Beijing for the 25th round of Special Representatives’ talks on the long-running India-China boundary dispute.
Doval, who is India’s Special Representative for the boundary question, is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, China’s Special Representative, on Tuesday.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Doval arrived in Beijing at the invitation of Wang Yi. During his visit, Doval is also expected to meet Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
The talks come as India and China seek to gradually improve ties after years of tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Border Stability and De-escalation on Agenda
The main focus of the discussions is expected to be border stability, maintaining peace along the LAC and reducing the risk of fresh military tensions.
The two sides are also expected to review arrangements reached after the 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh and discuss further steps towards stabilising the border.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the Special Representatives’ talks remain an important platform for communication between the two countries.
He said both sides would continue discussions on the boundary issue while also exchanging views on bilateral relations and regional and international developments.
India and China share a disputed border stretching roughly 3,500 km. Relations deteriorated sharply after the deadly Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh in 2020.
Arunachal Pradesh Tensions Add Significance
Doval’s visit comes amid renewed concerns over Chinese activity along the border in Arunachal Pradesh.
Recent reports have indicated encounters between Indian and Chinese patrols in remote areas, including the Taksing sector. The developments have added importance to discussions on maintaining stability along the eastern sector of the boundary.
India has repeatedly maintained that peace and tranquillity along the border are essential for the broader relationship between the two countries.
India-China Ties Show Signs of Thaw
The latest meeting is part of efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to gradually restore bilateral relations.
Doval and Wang Yi had also met in New Delhi in June on the sidelines of a meeting of national security advisers. At the time, India said the two sides discussed recent developments and progress towards the gradual normalisation of relations.
The two countries have also seen increased diplomatic engagement following meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at international summits.
Xi is expected to visit India for the BRICS Summit in September, although his participation has not yet been formally confirmed.
