Beijing, August 25: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the latest round of Special Representatives’ talks in Beijing on Tuesday, with the India-China boundary issue and the broader state of bilateral relations at the centre of discussions.
The talks come at an important time for ties between New Delhi and Beijing, with both countries seeking to maintain peace along their disputed border while gradually improving diplomatic and economic engagement.
Doval and Wang serve as the Special Representatives for the India-China boundary negotiations. The mechanism, established in 2003, provides a high-level channel for addressing the long-running border dispute.
Focus on Border Peace
Ahead of his meeting with Wang Yi, Doval met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed measures to maintain peace and stability in border areas. They also explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in economic, political and multilateral forums.
Han Zheng called for India and China to approach their relationship with a long-term strategic outlook and implement the understanding reached by the leadership of both countries.
Talks Ahead of BRICS Summit
The Doval-Wang meeting assumes significance ahead of the BRICS Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the summit, although his participation has not yet been officially confirmed. If the visit takes place, it could create an opportunity for another high-level India-China engagement.
No Final Border Settlement Yet
The latest talks are part of an ongoing diplomatic process between the two countries. India and China have taken several steps to ease tensions following the military standoff in eastern Ladakh, but the wider boundary dispute remains unresolved.
For New Delhi, maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border continues to be crucial for rebuilding broader ties with Beijing.
The Doval-Wang talks signal continued diplomatic engagement between India and China, but there has been no announcement of a final settlement or breakthrough on the boundary dispute.
