While specific details of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi regarding Pakistan's "territorial integrity" are not available in the provided search results, the meeting itself, held in Beijing on December 18, 2024, signifies a crucial step in India-China relations. This was the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) and the first since 2019, marking a significant effort to address the boundary question and normalize bilateral relations after a period of strain.
The context of the meeting is important. Relations between India and China have been "abnormal" since 2020, following disturbances along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). However, recent diplomatic engagements have aimed to improve ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to revive several mechanisms, including the SR meetings, during the BRICS summit in Kazan. The purpose of the SR meeting was to manage peace and tranquility in the border areas and to explore a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question.
During the meeting, Doval and Wang Yi "positively affirmed" the outcome of the disengagement agreement at the LAC. They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas to promote overall development of India-China relations. Drawing lessons from the events of 2020, they discussed measures to maintain peace and advance effective border management, agreeing to coordinate diplomatic and military mechanisms towards this goal. The SRs also exchanged views on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest and provided positive directions for cross-border cooperation, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers, and border trade.
While the official statements don't explicitly mention a discussion about Pakistan's "territorial integrity," it's plausible that regional issues came up during the talks. China has historically been a close ally of Pakistan, and any discussion on regional stability would likely touch upon this dynamic. India has consistently maintained its stance on cross-border terrorism and has likely raised concerns about Pakistan's role in promoting instability in the region.
It is important to note that, without specific details about the discussion on Pakistan, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive analysis. However, the meeting between Doval and Wang Yi represents a positive step towards improving India-China relations and addressing the complex issues that exist between the two countries. The commitment to maintaining peace and tranquility along the border is crucial for fostering a stable and predictable relationship. Doval's invitation to Wang Yi to visit India for the next round of SR talks indicates a willingness to continue the dialogue and work towards resolving outstanding issues.
