Ajit Doval meets Chinese vice president Han Zheng ahead of India-China boundary talks

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday called on Chinese vice president Han Zheng in Beijing, ahead of the Special Representatives' talks on the India-China boundary question with Chinese Foreign Minister and Special Representative Wang Yi. The meeting with Han Zheng comes amid efforts by India and China to stabilise ties. (ANI File)Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for a two-day visit for the talks, which assume significance as they are being held ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's expected visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit on September 12-13. Also read | NSA Ajit Doval to visit China for border talks ahead of Xi Jinping’s India trip The meeting with Han Zheng comes amid efforts by India and China to stabilise ties, which came under severe strain following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the prolonged military stand-off in eastern Ladakh. The Special Representatives' talks, scheduled for Tuesday, are expected to focus on the boundary question as well as broader bilateral, regional and international issues. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday that Doval and Wang would hold an "in-depth discussion" on the boundary question and other issues of mutual interest. "The Special Representatives' talks are the main channel for negotiations between China and India on the boundary question, and also an important platform for communication between the two sides on issues of mutual interest," Lin said. He said the two sides would continue discussions in the spirit of the understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries and work towards keeping border areas "peaceful and tranquil". The talks are also being held against the backdrop of continuing differences over the border, including Arunachal Pradesh. The India-China boundary dispute covers a 3,488-km-long frontier. The Special Representatives mechanism was established in 2003 to seek a comprehensive solution to the dispute. While the mechanism has not resolved the boundary question, officials on both sides have regarded it as an important channel for managing tensions and maintaining communication. In August last year, India and China held the 24th round of Special Representatives' talks, during which the two sides had "candid and in-depth exchanges" on the boundary question and reached several common understandings, according to Beijing. Doval's visit comes ahead of a potentially significant diplomatic engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping. Xi's expected visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit could provide an opportunity for the two leaders to meet on the sidelines and discuss measures to take forward bilateral relations. Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More