Ahead of Modi-Xi meet, Doval to visit China today for border talks

New Delhi will see NSA Ajit Doval departing for China on Monday in preparation for the forthcoming meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. The Special Representatives dialogue on the boundary issue will be chaired jointly by Doval and Wang Yi on Tuesday. Prime Minister Modi and President Xi are slated to meet during the SCO summit scheduled for August 31 to September 1, with the PM hosting Xi for the Brics summit later in the month.

It is anticipated that Xi will arrive in India on September 12, followed by a bilateral meeting with Modi prior to the summit.

The Tuesday meeting is set to emphasize de-escalation, delimitation, and boundary affairs, as India's side underscores the importance of preserving peace and tranquillity in border regions to foster the overall development of the Sino-Indian relationship. Both nations are also aiming to form a working group to enhance efficient border management for peace in border areas.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated on Saturday during the Doval-Wang talks in Beijing that peace and tranquillity along the border areas are a prerequisite for good relations with China. However, he also highlighted the significance of engagement with Beijing for India's modernization, stating that both parties have a vested interest in maintaining a stable relationship.