'Past setbacks not in anyone’s interests': Wang Yi during key India-China border talks with NSA Doval

Ajit Doval with Chinese FM Wang Yi

National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday, expressed optimism about the ongoing 24th Special Representative Level (SR-level) talks between India and China.

“I’m very hopeful that, like the last one, this 24th SR-level talk will be equally successful. Our Prime Minister will be visiting for the SCO Summit shortly, and therefore, I think these talks assume a very special importance,” Doval noted.

#WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, NSA Ajit Doval says, "I'm very hopeful that, like the last one, this 24th Special Representative Level Talks will be equally successful. Our Prime Minister will be visiting for the SCO Summit shortly and… pic.twitter.com/ealNWxHNdb

— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025

He also highlighted the improving atmosphere along the India-China border, stating, “There has been an upward trend. Borders have been quiet. There has been peace and tranquillity.

"Our bilateral engagements have been more substantial. And we are most grateful to our leaders who, in Kazan last October, were able to set a new trend, and we have profited a lot since then," stated Doval.

NSA Doval highlighted the 75th year of diplomatic relations between India and China, noting the progress achieved through combined efforts. “With this new energy and momentum, and with the dedication of our diplomatic team, ambassadors, and our armies on the borders, we have been able to make it this time,” he said.

Reflecting on past setbacks and recent progress in bilateral relations, Wang Yi acknowledged the challenges saying, “The setbacks we experienced in the past few years were not in the interests of the people of our two countries. In October last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi had an important meeting in Kazan. That meeting pointed the direction for the development of our bilateral relations and provided impetus for the proper settlement of the boundary question.”

The talks, part of the 24th round of Special Representative (SR) level discussions, also focused on restoring stability and advancing cooperation.

The Chinese FM also stressed the importance of following strategic guidance from leaders, increasing mutual trust through communication, and expanding common interests via exchanges and cooperation.

“We are ready to work with you to build more consensus, identify specific goals for the next boundary consultations, and create conditions for the improvement and growth of our bilateral relations,” mentioned the Chinese FM.

Wang Yi also underlined the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin.

“History and reality prove that a healthy and stable China-India relationship serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both our countries,” he said, adding that both sides were heartened by the stability now restored along the borders.

Both leaders reflected on the outcomes of the 23rd round of SR-level talks, which set a framework for managing disagreements, stabilising the borders, and moving toward a settlement.

Wang Yi appreciated Doval’s efforts as the Indian special representative and noted that the bilateral relationship now faces an “important opportunity for improvement and growth.”

The Chinese leader met NSA Doval at Hyderabad House in New Delhi early in the day as part of his two-day visit to India, which also includes a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from August 31 to September 1.

To be noted, the Chinese FM's visit, at the invitation of NSA Doval, marks the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ (SR-level) talks on the India-China boundary question, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Wang Yi, who arrived in India on Monday, has already held discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on issues ranging from economic and trade relations, pilgrimages, and people-to-people contacts to river data sharing, border trade, and connectivity.

Jaishankar stated that differences must not become disputes, nor should competition turn into conflict, highlighting the visit as an opportunity to review bilateral ties and exchange views on regional and global issues.

According to sources in the government, China has assured India it would address three of India's key concerns -- the supply of fertilisers, rare earth materials, and tunnel boring machines.

These commitments are seen as part of efforts to stabilise bilateral relations and foster confidence through economic cooperation, particularly amid India’s growing need for critical resources for infrastructure projects, renewable energy, and food security.

The dialogue comes after years of tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, which led to a standoff in April-May 2020. Progress has been made through troop disengagement and patrolling arrangements, with both countries taking steps to improve ties and ensure de-escalation along the LAC.

New Delhi and Beijing, on Monday, reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding bilateral relations, underscoring mutual respect, sensitivity, and shared interests as the basis for future engagement.