Shafaqna Pakistan: India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks with Chinese officials on the two countries’ long-running border dispute, ahead of next month’s BRICS summit that New Delhi hopes Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Doval, who serves as India’s Special Representative for the India-China boundary question, is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday.
The ministry said Doval arrived in Beijing earlier Monday for a two-day visit focused on discussions over the disputed Himalayan border.
During his stay, Doval is also expected to meet Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
The two sides have met repeatedly for talks about their border since a deadly 2020 clash.
“At this meeting, the two sides will, in accordance with the spirit of the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continue to engage in in-depth communication on the boundary question and jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border areas,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters.
The two Asian giants share a 3,500-kilometre (2,175-mile) border, and have in the past accused each other of trying to seize territory.
India’s main opposition party earlier this month said it was “deeply alarmed” by Indian media reports that Indian and Chinese army patrols came face-to-face in late July in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. India’s government rejected those reports.
China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet. India says the state is an integral part of its territory.
Despite lingering distrust, ties between the neighbours have gradually improved, including through the resumption of direct flights and border trade.
The September 12-13 BRICS meeting will be held in the Indian capital, with the Middle East, trade and the shifting global order expected to feature prominently.
BRICS was created in 2009 as a forum for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in institutions dominated by Western powers.
The grouping, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has since expanded.
Source: Express Tribune
