NSA Ajit Doval Heads To China For High-Level Talks; Border Stability, De-Escalation On Agenda

Last Updated:August 23, 2026, 10:36 PM IST

Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are expected to conduct a detailed assessment of the current ground situation along the LAC in their discussions.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. (File Image)

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has departed for Beijing for the 25th round of India-China Special Representatives’ discussions on Tuesday on the long-standing boundary dispute. Doval will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the discussions.

The talks will focus on border stability and de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to top government sources. Doval’s visit to Beijing assumes greater significance ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to India for the BRICS Summit.

Both representatives are expected to do a detailed assessment of the current ground situation along the LAC, sources told CNN-News18. This comes amid recent reports of aggressive posturing by the Chinese Army in the Upper Subansiri region of Arunachal Pradesh.

What’s On Agenda?

As part of the Special Representatives’ mechanism, Doval and Wang Yi are expected to explore mutually acceptable frameworks to address the broader dispute across the 3,488 km boundary.

The discussions will emphasise maintaining peace and avoiding fresh tensions amid recent reports of Chinese activity in Arunachal Pradesh. Both sides will also conduct a review of the October 2024 disengagement arrangements and subsequent steps toward reducing military confrontations.

The representatives will also discuss restoration of patrolling rights and consolidating the gradual normalisation process that began after the 2020 Galwan Valley crisis. A discussion on the Expert Group under the WMCC framework tasked with exploring early steps in boundary delimitation in appropriate sectors will also be held.

Doval and Wang will also discuss strengthening border management structures including General Level Mechanisms in the Eastern and Middle Sectors alongside the existing Western Sector mechanism. They will also conduct a review of overall India-China ties and consolidation of the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles.

Xi Jinping’s Visit To India

The discussions are aimed at creating a positive atmosphere and de-escalating border tensions ahead of Xi Jinping’s visit to India for the BRICS Summit on September 12-13. They will also include other issues such as border management, confidence building measures and cross-border cooperation.

While Beijing and New Delhi have not officially confirmed Chinese President Xi’s participation, officials on both sides are hopeful that he will attend. His visit could pave the way for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit. Modi and Xi last met in August 2025 during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin.

Key Questions Answered

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What could be the long-term impact of these border talks?

The long-term impact of these border talks could be the exploration of mutually acceptable frameworks to address the broader boundary dispute and the consolidation of the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles. The discussions are also aimed at stabilising ties and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

How might these discussions affect India-China relations?

The discussions could create a positive atmosphere and de-escalate border tensions, potentially stabilising ties between India and China. Peace and tranquillity along the border are considered essential for improving the broader bilateral relationship.

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About the Author

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18

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