Ajit Doval meets Chinese vice president Han Zheng ahead of India-China boundary talks

New Delhi witnessed a significant meeting on Tuesday between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. The two discussed strategies to maintain peace and stability along the border, with an aim to deepen bilateral relations in various spheres - economic, political, and multilateral. This gathering precedes the 25th round of special representatives talks between Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, set to take place later on the same day.

The India-China border talks, established in 2003, have been a key platform for communication on issues of mutual interest. The 24th round of these talks, held in August last year, resulted in several common understandings. This upcoming round is of particular importance as India and China strive to stabilize ties following years of tensions along the Line of Actual Control.

The talks come in the wake of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the prolonged military stand-off in eastern Ladakh, which severely strained bilateral relations. In June, Doval and Wang met in New Delhi, marking a constructive and forward-looking exchange. Both leaders emphasized the need for stable, predictable, and constructive bilateral relations to foster trust and mutual understanding.

The latest discussions also reflect efforts by India and China to build on high-level engagements between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders welcomed positive momentum and steady progress during their meeting last year at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Despite ongoing differences over the boundary and Arunachal Pradesh, officials from both nations view the Special Representatives mechanism as crucial for managing tensions and maintaining communication.

The upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to New Delhi for the BRICS summit on September 12-13 could further cement the bilateral relationship, offering another opportunity for discussions on the India-China relationship.