Beijing: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday held Special Representatives talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the India-China boundary question and ways to improve relations between the two countries. The talks assumed significance as they were held ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit on September 12-13. They also came amid continuing differences over the border, including Arunachal Pradesh.
According to the Indian Embassy in China, the two sides reviewed the recent momentum in bilateral relations and discussed maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border. They also discussed further advancing bilateral ties across economic, political and multilateral platforms.
The Special Representatives mechanism was established in 2003 to address the boundary question from a broader political perspective. The latest meeting therefore represents another step in the long-running diplomatic process rather than a final resolution of the dispute. Reuters reported that both sides agreed to continue dialogue towards a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary issue.
The talks come against the backdrop of efforts by India and China to improve ties after years of tensions along the Line of Actual Control. While the latest engagement indicates continued diplomatic communication, the two countries still face unresolved differences over the boundary. The next round of Special Representatives talks is expected to be held in India in 2027.
The meeting does not, however, indicate that the long-standing boundary dispute has been resolved. The two countries continue to have differences over their disputed border, and the question of Arunachal Pradesh remains a sensitive issue in bilateral relations. The latest talks instead reflect the continuation of a diplomatic process aimed at managing differences and preventing tensions along the border from affecting wider relations.
The outcome of the talks is likely to be closely watched ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, where Xi Jinping is expected to attend, although China has not officially confirmed his participation. The summit could provide another opportunity for senior Indian and Chinese leaders to discuss the future direction of bilateral ties.