Ajit Doval Calls for United Stand Against Terrorism in Beijing Meeting
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday, underscoring the urgent need to confront terrorism in all its forms to ensure regional peace and stability. This meeting took place amid growing tensions surrounding cross-border terror activities and ongoing efforts to mend ties between the two Asian giants.
Context Behind the Meeting: Security Priorities and Regional Stability
NSA Doval’s visit to China comes as part of his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave, where top security officials from member nations gather to discuss pressing security challenges. The SCO is a pivotal regional bloc focused on cooperation in security and counter-terrorism.
His remarks carried particular weight just weeks after India executed precise strikes on terror infrastructure within Pakistani territory, a response to a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives.
Emphasis on Counter-Terrorism and Diplomatic Engagement
During talks with Wang Yi, Doval highlighted the necessity of combating terrorism comprehensively to preserve peace. This appeal was seen as a subtle urging towards China to pressure Pakistan — its longstanding ally — to act decisively against terror groups operating from its soil.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated: “The NSA emphasized the need to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations to maintain overall peace and stability in the region.”
Rebuilding Bridges Amid Strained Relations
The dialogue also touched upon the broader scope of India-China relations, which have been fraught following the eastern Ladakh border standoff beginning in May 2020. The deadly clash at Galwan Valley significantly strained diplomatic channels and bilateral trust.
Both leaders acknowledged the positive progress made in recent months, reiterating the importance of enhancing communication, building mutual trust, and peacefully resolving contentious issues:
- Chinese envoy to India, Xu Feihong, remarked that cooperation is key: “Only when the dragon and elephant dance together can there be a win-win outcome.”
- Doval expressed India’s readiness to collaborate in multilateral forums like SCO, fully supporting China’s rotating presidency of the organization.
The MEA further noted exchanges on various bilateral, regional, and global topics, with NSA Doval looking forward to the upcoming 24th round of Special Representative talks between India and China to be held at a mutually agreed date.
Background: Ongoing Efforts to Resolve Border Disputes
The border tensions that erupted in 2020 have gradually eased after phased disengagements at friction points such as Demchok and Depsang concluded in October 2024. December saw NSA Doval visiting Beijing, engaging in boundary dispute dialogues under the revived Special Representative framework — a strategy reaffirmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during their October meeting in Kazan.
The Road Ahead: Cooperation in a Changing Regional Landscape
This recent engagement signals a cautious but hopeful step towards restoring stability and fostering cooperation between India and China. Both nations, as major Asian powers, recognize the potential to contribute meaningfully to international peace and development by resolving sensitive issues diplomatically and promoting mutual understanding.
