NSA Ajit Doval holds border talks in Beijing ahead of BRICS Summit

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, for the 25th Round of the Special Representatives talks. The meeting focused on the India China boundary dispute, which covers a 3,488 km frontier. The Special Representatives mechanism was established in 2003 to find a comprehensive solution to the dispute.

Prior to the talks with Wang Yi, Mr. Doval met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. During this meeting, the two discussed ways to strengthen peace and tranquility in border areas. Mr. Han stated that both nations should handle relations from a strategic and long term perspective, while Mr. Doval noted that the two most populous and fastest growing major economies have a historic opportunity for cooperation.

These diplomatic engagements occur ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's expected visit to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13. The visit provides an opportunity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi to meet and discuss bilateral relations. Ties have been gradually normalizing following a meeting between the two leaders in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.

Reporting on the event differed slightly in framing. The center left source emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation and the historic opportunity for the two economies. In contrast, the center right source highlighted the severe strain on ties following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and mentioned continuing differences over the border, including Arunachal Pradesh.