In a pivotal meeting in Beijing, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the India-China border to foster stronger bilateral ties. This discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi marked the 25th round of talks aimed at resolving the long-standing boundary dispute between the two countries. The primary focus of these discussions was on advancing boundary delimitation, improving border management, and expanding cooperation across the frontier.
Both nations reviewed the progress in their bilateral relations positively and deliberated on strategies to maintain stability along the Line of Actual Control. The commitment to finding a political solution to the boundary issue, rooted in their long-term interests, was reaffirmed by both sides. These talks are a continuation of the progress initiated by the 2024 understanding between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which aimed at easing tensions in the Ladakh sector. Since that agreement, there have been resumptions in people-to-people exchanges, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and border trade through designated routes.
Doval noted the gradual normalization of bilateral ties, attributing this progress to the maintenance of peace along the border. Meanwhile, China emphasized the need to position the boundary issue within the broader context of their relationship. Despite the constructive discussions, neither country disclosed significant details regarding the actual demarcation of the disputed boundary.
Both India and China agreed to continue negotiations, with plans for the next round of special representative talks to be held in India in 2027. This ongoing dialogue is crucial as it precedes the anticipated visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to India for the BRICS summit in September, underscoring the importance of stabilizing bilateral relations further.