India has emphasized the importance of peace and tranquillity along its border with China for fostering the continued development of bilateral relations. This stance was reiterated during a meeting between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. This meeting marked the 25th round of discussions between the two nations’ special representatives, focusing on their protracted boundary dispute. The dialogue aimed at advancing boundary delimitation, enhancing border management, and expanding cooperation along the border.
Both nations positively assessed the progress in their bilateral relations and explored strategies to maintain stability along the Line of Actual Control. They reaffirmed their dedication to finding a political solution to the boundary issue, taking into account their long-term interests. The talks build upon the progress made after the 2024 understanding between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which aimed to ease tensions in the Ladakh region. Since this understanding, exchanges between people, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and border trade through designated routes have resumed.
Doval highlighted that bilateral relations have been gradually normalizing, attributing this progress to the maintenance of peace along the border. Meanwhile, China expressed that the boundary issue should be viewed within the broader context of their relationship. While neither side disclosed major details regarding the progress on the actual demarcation of the disputed boundary, both agreed to continue negotiations, with the next round of special representative talks scheduled to be held in India in 2027.
This latest round of discussions comes in the lead-up to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s anticipated visit to India for the BRICS summit in September. This adds a layer of significance to the ongoing efforts to further stabilize the bilateral relations between the two countries.