Chinese Foreign Minister Arrives in India for Border Talks with NSA Doval
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in New Delhi for a two-day visit focused on boundary negotiations with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The visit, part of ongoing efforts to stabilize relations after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, precedes Prime Minister Modi's expected trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The talks are expected to cover new confidence-building measures to maintain peace and tranquillity along the contested border, marking a crucial step in bilateral diplomacy.
Unpacked:
The previous round, held in Beijing in December 2024, resulted in a six-point consensus covering advancing negotiations, strengthening border management, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and institutional mechanisms. Both sides agreed to continue diplomatic communication and gradually implement these agreements to stabilize relations.
The 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, which resulted in casualties on both sides, marked the lowest point in decades for China-India relations. The incident escalated tensions over the disputed border, leading to increased troop deployments and a breakdown in trust and regular diplomatic exchanges.
Reports suggest the current talks may focus on reducing troop levels in disputed border areas, strengthening border management, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and improving institutional mechanisms. These steps are considered crucial for restoring trust and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control.
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit signals ongoing diplomatic engagement and an effort to maintain high-level exchanges. It highlights both countries' commitment to dialogue and cooperation despite unresolved border issues, and may provide an opportunity for further bilateral discussions.