National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday, June 23, 2025, emphasizing the critical need to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations to ensure regional peace and stability. The meeting occurred while Doval was in China to attend the 20th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Security Council Secretaries.
During the discussions, Doval and Wang reviewed recent developments in India-China bilateral relations. Both sides recognized the importance of promoting overall development in their relations, including enhancing people-to-people exchanges. Doval stressed that countering terrorism was paramount for maintaining peace in the region.
Doval's emphasis on countering terrorism came after India conducted military strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in civilian casualties. These strikes triggered a military confrontation between India and Pakistan that ended on May 10 after both sides agreed to halt military actions.
Wang Yi stated that China and India should view each other as development opportunities rather than threats, emphasizing partnership over competition. He added that the two countries should adhere to good-neighborliness and friendship, striving for mutually beneficial outcomes. Wang also highlighted the importance of properly handling sensitive issues and maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas.
According to a statement by Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong, Wang Yi noted that China-India relations had made "some positive progress." He urged both sides to enhance communication, build mutual trust, and work towards resolving practical issues. Wang emphasized that a win-win outcome could only be achieved when the "dragon and elephant dance together."
Doval conveyed his anticipation of welcoming Wang Yi to India for the 24th round of the Special Representatives' Talks at a mutually agreeable date. The two sides also discussed various bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest.
The meeting between Doval and Wang Yi is part of a series of steps taken by both countries to normalize bilateral relations, including meetings between Doval and Wang, who serve as Special Representatives for border issues. This meeting occurred less than two months after a border patrolling arrangement was announced in October 2024, followed by a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.