Doval Meets Wang Yi, Emphasizes Joint Effort to Combat Terrorism for Regional Stability

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval recently met Chinese Foreign Minister and Special Representative for boundary talks, Wang Yi, during his visit to Beijing. The high-level meeting focused on reviewing the recent developments in India-China bilateral relations and emphasizing the need to enhance overall cooperation and understanding between the two Asian giants. Doval underlined the importance of strengthening diplomatic and strategic engagement to ensure long-term stability and peace, particularly in the context of past tensions between the two nations.

Doval's visit to China comes in the backdrop of the 20th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Security Council Secretaries, which brings together senior officials from member countries to discuss regional and international security concerns. The visit serves as a key platform for India to reinforce its position on critical regional issues, including border security, terrorism, and diplomatic engagement within the SCO framework.

During his meeting with Wang Yi, Doval reiterated India’s firm stance on combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He stressed that terrorism poses a direct threat to peace and stability not only in the South Asian region but across the broader Asian landscape. Addressing terrorism and ensuring regional security remain core priorities for India’s foreign and security policy, and Doval’s message conveyed India’s commitment to work with regional players, including China, to neutralize such threats.

This meeting marked the first interaction between Ajit Doval and Wang Yi since significant developments such as India’s Operation Sindoor and the recent military conflict with Pakistan. Operation Sindoor, though not officially detailed, is believed to be a strategic military or intelligence-led operation in the national security domain. The timing of this high-level engagement indicates a renewed push to normalize and improve India-China relations after years of strain following border standoffs such as the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.

The Indian government views these meetings as part of a broader strategy to gradually rebuild trust with China through structured dialogue and multilateral engagement. Doval’s diplomatic outreach may help pave the way for more stable and constructive bilateral ties, provided mutual concerns are addressed, particularly in areas of border disputes and strategic competition.

Following Doval’s visit, other top Indian ministers are also scheduled to engage with their Chinese counterparts. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to attend the upcoming SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in China, followed by a visit from External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. These successive high-level exchanges indicate a coordinated diplomatic effort by New Delhi to reassert its strategic objectives within the SCO and engage China through institutional mechanisms.

However, the government has not yet finalized a decision on whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China in September for the SCO Summit. The final call is expected to be influenced by how current engagements progress and whether tangible outcomes can be achieved through these high-level talks.

In essence, Doval’s visit to China marks a significant step in re-engaging with Beijing on matters of bilateral and regional importance, especially through the SCO platform. It reflects India’s intent to manage tensions, counter terrorism collectively, and promote dialogue for regional stability and peace.