India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks on the disputed Himalayan border between the two nations. The visit comes ahead of the BRICS summit next month, where India hopes Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend. Doval, India's Special Representative on the India-China Boundary Question, will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice President Han Zheng during his two-day visit.
The two sides have repeatedly met for talks about their border since a deadly 2020 clash. At this meeting, the two sides will continue to engage in in-depth communication on the boundary question and jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas, according to Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. The two Asian giants share a 3,500-kilometre (2,175-mile) border and have in the past accused each other of trying to seize territory.
India's main opposition party earlier this month expressed alarm over reports that Indian and Chinese army patrols came face-to-face in late July in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. India's government rejected those reports. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India says the state is an integral part of its territory. Despite lingering distrust, ties between the neighbours have gradually improved, including through the resumption of direct flights and border trade.
FAQs
1. **Why are the border talks important?** The border talks are crucial for maintaining peace and tranquility in the disputed Himalayan border region, which has been a flashpoint for tensions between India and China.
2. **What is the history of the border dispute?** The India-China border dispute dates back to the 1950s, with both countries claiming different sections of the border. The dispute escalated in 2020 with a deadly clash between the two nations' troops.
3. **What is the BRICS summit?** The BRICS summit is an annual meeting of the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The summit aims to promote cooperation among the major emerging economies and discuss global issues.
4. **What are the expectations from the upcoming BRICS summit?** The September 12-13 BRICS meeting in New Delhi is expected to focus on the Middle East, trade, and the shifting global order. India hopes that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the summit.
