NSA Doval Emphasises Stable Bilateral Ties with China
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday, highlighted the importance of stable and constructive bilateral relations to foster deeper trust and understanding between India and China. The details were shared by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday while responding to media queries about Wang Yi's visit to India for the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers' Meeting.
Jaiswal stated, "NSA underlined that stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations will contribute to enhanced trust and deeper understanding between the two sides." He added that Doval also emphasised the need for consistent sensitivity to each other's core concerns, which would align with the overall approach of mutual sensitivity, mutual interests, and mutual respect.
Progress Towards Normalisation of Ties
Earlier on Tuesday, during a press briefing in New Delhi, Jaiswal noted that the high-level dialogue aimed at improving the strained relationship, with both sides observing "progress towards the gradual normalisation of ties." The dialogue took place on the margins of the BRICS National Security Advisers' Meeting, held in New Delhi on Monday and Tuesday, where India served as chair.
Jaiswal confirmed, "There was a meeting yesterday between the National Security Advisor and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations and noted progress towards the gradual normalisation of ties." Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, participated in the discussions as both nations used the strategic platform to assess their relationship and gauge momentum toward restoring normalcy.
Background of Strained Relations
The India-China relationship faced significant strain following a border clash in 2020, which led to years of heightened military and diplomatic tension. However, the diplomatic landscape shifted in 2024 as both nations moved toward de-escalation. The meeting between Doval and Wang Yi reflects the evolving re-engagement, characterised by a shift from confrontation to structured dialogue.
Wang Yi had previously visited New Delhi in August 2024 for the 24th Meeting of the Special Representatives, where both sides shared the view that peace and tranquillity had been maintained in the India-China border areas since the 23rd SR Talks. They reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas to promote overall bilateral relations.
Thaw in Relations
The visit is part of a thaw in ties between New Delhi and Beijing, following subsequent meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of key international summits, such as the SCO Summit in Tianjin last year. Both leaders welcomed the positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024. They reaffirmed that the two countries are development partners, not rivals, and that differences should not turn into disputes.
This development marks a significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to bridge deep-seated divisions between the two Asian giants.
