India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for a two-day visit aimed at advancing talks with China over their long-disputed border.
India’s Foreign Ministry said Doval, who serves as India’s special representative for the boundary issue, is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday. He is also expected to meet Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
The two countries have held several rounds of negotiations since a deadly military clash in 2020 strained bilateral relations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the two sides would continue discussions on the boundary issue in line with agreements reached by their leaders and work to maintain peace and stability along the border.
India and China share a roughly 3,500-kilometre border and have repeatedly accused each other of attempting to assert control over disputed territory.
Earlier this month, India’s main opposition party expressed concern over reports that Indian and Chinese troops had confronted each other in late July in Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian government rejected the reports.
China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India considers the northeastern state an integral part of its territory.
Despite continued differences, relations between the two countries have shown signs of improvement, including the resumption of direct flights and increased border trade.
Meanwhile, India is preparing to host the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Sept 12-13, with discussions expected to focus on the Middle East, global trade and changes in the international order.
