In a significant development for India-China relations, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval emphasized a positive shift in bilateral ties during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The discussions, held under the 24th Special Representatives (SRs) mechanism, underscored the restoration of peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and a renewed commitment to rebuilding trust after years of strained relations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
Doval noted that the borders have remained calm, signaling an “upward trend” in ties since his previous engagement with Wang in Beijing on December 18, 2024.
The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to mend diplomatic and economic relations, setting the stage for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
Restoring Peace and Strengthening Ties
During the 24th Special Representatives meeting, Doval highlighted the progress made since the leaders of both nations met in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. “…There has been an upward trend. Borders have been quiet. There has been peace and tranquillity.
Our bilateral engagements have been more substantial. And we are most grateful to our leaders who, in Kazan last October, were able to set a new trend, and we have profited a lot since then,” he said in his opening remarks.
#WATCH | Delhi: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval meets Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Hyderabad House.@MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/5PxYbaE9X3
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He added, “The new environment that has been created has helped us in moving ahead in the various areas that we are working on.”
Doval expressed optimism about the current talks, noting their importance ahead of Modi’s SCO Summit visit. “Our Prime Minister will be visiting for the SCO Summit shortly and therefore, I think that these SR-level talks assume a very special importance,” he stated.
The dialogue reflects a mutual desire to maintain stability along the 3,488 km LAC and address longstanding border disputes through constructive engagement.
Wang Yi Reflects on Past Challenges and Future Cooperation
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who co-chairs the Special Representatives mechanism with Doval, echoed the sentiment of progress.
He acknowledged the setbacks in bilateral relations in recent years, particularly following the 2020 Galwan Valley incident, which had strained ties to a historic low.
“The setbacks we experienced in the past few years were not in the interests of the people of our two countries,” Wang said in Mandarin during his initial remarks.
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He highlighted the pivotal meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi in Kazan as a turning point. “And then in October last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi had an important meeting in Kazan.
That meeting pointed the direction for the development of our bilateral relations and provided impetus for the proper settlement of the boundary question…,” Wang noted.
The renewed momentum has paved the way for enhanced cooperation, including resumed initiatives like border trade and cultural exchanges.
The Special Representatives dialogue, a critical platform for addressing the India-China border dispute, continues to play a vital role in fostering stability.
Wang’s visit to New Delhi, seen as a step toward normalizing relations, underscores both nations’ commitment to dialogue and collaboration amid a complex global landscape.
