After a gap of five years, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is set to meet his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing for the Special Representative (SR) Dialogue on boundary resolution. The dialogue aims to strengthen peace and tranquillity along the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC), particularly in the contested East Ladakh region.
This institutionalised SR meeting marks a significant shift, as all prior discussions between NSA Ajit Doval and Wang since December 2019 have focused on multilateral issues rather than border disputes. The talks follow guidance from the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where a breakthrough was achieved during the BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 24. Both leaders resolved the disengagement issue in East Ladakh’s Demchok and Depsang Bulge, enabling the resumption of border patrolling for the Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
In the aftermath of the 2020 border clashes, troops and military hardware were amassed along the LAC from the Karakoram Pass in the Western Sector to Kibuthoo in the Eastern Sector. The PLA reportedly moved combined armed brigades to the Eastern Sector before Xi secured his third presidential term. Consequently, both sides had halted patrolling in several key areas, leading to heightened tensions.
NSA Ajit Doval’s visit to Beijing is seen as a critical opportunity to build on the recent progress. It is understood that both sides will consider new measures to ensure lasting peace and take further steps toward de-escalation and relocation of forces. The key focus of the meeting will be to maintain the stability achieved in East Ladakh and push the dialogue toward a broader resolution of the boundary dispute.
The current situation along the LAC is stable, with both Indian and Chinese forces resuming patrols in previously inaccessible regions, such as the Depsang Bulge and the Charding Ningling Nullah junction in Demchok. Additionally, both sides have begun addressing concerns related to the pastoral and grazing rights of local residents, an issue that has impacted border communities.
While the Modi government has maintained silence on the details of the meeting, sources indicate that discussions will explore proposals for long-term solutions to the border conflict. Analysts believe that the positive momentum generated by the disengagement process in East Ladakh will pave the way for further progress.
The resumption of the SR Dialogue signals a renewed effort to manage the complex bilateral relationship and prevent any future escalation along the LAC. As both Doval and Wang Yi engage in talks, the international community will closely watch for signs of progress in resolving one of the most protracted and sensitive disputes between India and China.