National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday on a two-day visit to China, during which he will participate in the 25th round of Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary issue.
The talks between Mr. Doval and his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi are scheduled to be held in Beijing on Tuesday. The two sides are expected to hold detailed discussions on the boundary question as well as bilateral, regional and international issues.
Announcing the talks at a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Mr. Doval and Mr. Wang would have an in-depth exchange on the boundary issue and other matters concerning bilateral relations and regional and global developments.
The visit comes against the backdrop of efforts by India and China to stabilise their relations following a prolonged period of tension. Bilateral ties came under severe strain after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the subsequent military stand-off along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.
Since then, both sides have taken a series of steps aimed at reducing tensions and restoring stability along the border. The boundary issue remains one of the key areas of discussion between the two countries.
Mr. Doval and Mr. Wang are the designated Special Representatives for the boundary talks mechanism, which was established in 2003 to seek a comprehensive solution to the India-China boundary dispute. The disputed border stretches for more than 3,400 kilometres.
Ahead of the Special Representatives talks, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had reiterated that peace and tranquillity in the border areas are essential for the development of stable and constructive relations between India and China.
During his visit, Mr. Doval is also scheduled to call on Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
The 25th round of Special Representatives talks is expected to provide an opportunity for the two sides to review progress on the boundary question and discuss measures to further consolidate stability and improve bilateral engagement.
(Image courtesy :AIR)
