National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Hyderabad House in Delhi on Tuesday and held a fresh round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary question.
Wang Yi arrived in India on Monday afternoon for a two-day visit.
The meetings could see both sides deliberate on a range of key issues, including the border situation, trade and resumption of flight services.
In his initial remarks during talks with the Chinese FM, NSA Doval said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting for the SCO Summit shortly.
“Our Prime Minister will be visiting for the SCO summit shortly. Therefore, I think that this as high-level talks assume a very special importance”, Doval said.
The NSA emphasised that the bilateral engagements between India and China have strengthened since the last round of meetings held in Beijing.
“I am happy that since then, in the last nine months, there has been an upward trend. Borders have been quiet. There has been peace and tranquillity. Our bilateral engagements have been more substantial,” Doval said.
He further appreciated the strong leadership of both countries, which is constantly working towards boosting the bilateral partnership.
“The new environment that has been created has helped us in moving ahead in various areas that we were working on.”
Doval expressed optimism that the 24th special representative-level talks taking place in New Delhi will be equally successful.
“We find that with this new energy and the new momentum, with your efforts and with the maturity and the sense of responsibility for our diplomatic team and our missions in the countries, our ambassadors here, and also our armies on the borders, we have been able to make it this time”, Doval said in his concluding remarks.
On his part, Chinese FM Wang Yi appreciated the India-China bilateral ties and welcomed PM Modi’s participation in the upcoming SCO Summit, which is scheduled from August 31 to September 1.
“The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Prime Minister’s visit to China to attend the SCO summit at our invitation. We believe that the Indian side will also make your contribution to a successful summit in Tianjin”, Wang Yi said.
“I am ready to work with you to build more consensus and identify the direction, the specific goals of the boundary consultations going forward and create all conditions for the improvement and further growth of our bilateral relations,” the Chinese FM added.
Wang Yi expressed contentment with the restoration of stability on the borders.
“Mr Doval, I appreciate the effort you made as special representative of the Indian side. Now, the bilateral relationship is facing an important opportunity for improvement and growth.”
He further said that India and China should follow the strategic guidance of their leaders, increase mutual trust through strategic communication, expand common interest through exchanges and cooperation, and “properly settle the specific issues on the borders to advance our relationship healthily and soundly.”
(With agency inputs)