India’s top security official, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks on the long-running border dispute between India and China.
The visit comes weeks before the BRICS summit in New Delhi, where India hopes Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend.
India’s foreign ministry said Doval will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday. He is also expected to meet Chinese Vice President Han Zheng during his two-day visit.
India-China Border Talks Continue
Doval serves as India’s Special Representative for the India-China Boundary Question.
The two countries have held several rounds of discussions since a deadly border clash in 2020 severely damaged relations.
China’s Foreign Ministry said both sides would continue detailed discussions on the disputed boundary.
Spokesperson Lin Jian said the talks would follow the understanding reached by the leaders of the two countries and focus on maintaining peace and stability along the border.
India and China share a 3,500-kilometre border across the Himalayas.
Both countries have previously accused each other of attempting to change the status quo or seize territory along the disputed frontier.
Arunachal Pradesh Remains a Key Dispute
Tensions remain particularly sensitive around Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India.
China claims the Indian state as part of southern Tibet. India strongly rejects that claim and considers Arunachal Pradesh an integral part of the country.
India’s main opposition party recently expressed concern over media reports that Indian and Chinese troops had encountered each other during patrols in the region in late July.
The Indian government rejected those reports.
Despite continued disagreements, relations between the two countries have gradually improved following years of heightened tensions.
India and China have resumed direct flights and increased some forms of border trade.
BRICS Summit Adds Importance to Visit
Doval’s visit comes at an important time for India-China relations.
The BRICS summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
India hopes Xi Jinping will attend the meeting, which is expected to focus on major international issues, including the Middle East, global trade and changes in the international order.
BRICS was established in 2009 as a platform for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in global institutions traditionally dominated by Western countries.
The original group included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The bloc has since expanded to include additional members.
The upcoming border discussions could therefore help shape the wider relationship between the two Asian powers as they prepare for the BRICS gathering.
While distrust remains, the resumption of diplomatic and economic engagement suggests both sides are seeking to manage tensions and prevent further instability along their disputed Himalayan border.
