India has underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along its border with China as a cornerstone for fostering improved relations, following a meeting between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. This meeting marked the 25th round of dialogue between the two nations’ special representatives concerning their prolonged boundary dispute. Discussions centered on advancing boundary delimitation, enhancing border management, and promoting cross-border cooperation.
During the talks, both countries reflected positively on the progress in their bilateral relations and explored strategies to uphold stability along the Line of Actual Control. A commitment was reaffirmed to seek a political resolution to the boundary issue, guided by the nations’ long-term interests. This dialogue follows the 2024 understanding reached between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, aimed at alleviating tensions in the Ladakh region. Since this understanding, initiatives like people-to-people exchanges, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and border trade via designated routes have recommenced.
Ajit Doval emphasized that the gradual normalization of bilateral ties is directly linked to sustaining peace along the border. Meanwhile, China stressed that the boundary issue should be viewed within the broader context of their relationship. Although no significant details were revealed regarding the progress on the demarcation of the disputed boundary, both nations agreed to persist with negotiations, planning to hold the next round of talks in India in 2027.
The timing of these discussions is particularly notable as they precede the anticipated visit of President Xi Jinping to India for the BRICS summit in September. This adds an extra layer of significance to the ongoing efforts to stabilize and enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.