India's security chief Ajit Doval visits China for border talks

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks with China on the disputed Himalayan border, ahead of a BRICS summit in New Delhi that India hopes President Xi Jinping will attend.

Doval will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for border talks on Tuesday, India's foreign ministry said.

Why is Ajit Doval visiting China for border talks?

Doval, India's Special Representative on the India-China Boundary Question, held two days of talks in Beijing to build on consensus reached by the two countries' leaders. The visit comes ahead of a BRICS summit in New Delhi, which India hopes Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend in September.

India's foreign ministry confirmed Doval arrived in the Chinese capital on a two-day visit on Monday afternoon. He will also meet China's Vice President Han Zheng during the trip, the ministry added.

What did China say about the India-China border talks?

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the two sides would continue in-depth communication on the boundary question, in line with the consensus reached by their leaders. He added that both countries aim to jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

The two sides have met repeatedly over the border since a deadly clash in 2020. India and China share a 3,500-kilometre border and have previously accused each other of attempting to seize territory.

What is the dispute over Arunachal Pradesh?

India's main opposition party said earlier this month it was deeply alarmed by media reports that Indian and Chinese army patrols came face to face in late July in Arunachal Pradesh. India's government has rejected those reports.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India maintains the state is an integral part of its territory. The competing claims remain one of the most sensitive points in the broader boundary dispute.

How have India-China relations changed since 2020?

Despite lingering distrust between the neighbours, ties have gradually improved in recent years.

Direct flights and border trade between the two countries have both resumed.

What is the India-hosted BRICS summit about?

The BRICS summit will take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with the Middle East, trade and the shifting global order expected to feature prominently. BRICS was created in 2009 as a forum for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in institutions historically dominated by Western powers.

The grouping originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and has since expanded to include additional members.