Beijing: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Wednesday to attend a meeting of top security officials of the BRICS grouping, amid a standoff between the armies of India and China in the Sikkim sector. Mr Doval is likely to speak with China's State Councillor Yang Jiechi to break the deadlock.
The meeting of security chiefs of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa ends on Friday.
Mr Doval's visit has raised expectations about the likelihood of India and China finding a way out of the over a month-long standoff at Doklam in Sikkim sector.
Mr Doval will also call on Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. China holds the presidency of the BRICS and is due to hold a summit of the five-member group in September at Xiamen city.
Ahead of his meeting with Mr Jinping, Mr Doval is expected to hold separate talks with Mr Jiechi to discuss resolution of the standoff at Sikkim sector.
Though China continues to maintain that there won't be a meaningful dialogue without the unconditional withdrawal of Indian troops, the Chinese foreign ministry has hinted of a bilateral meeting between Mr Doval and Mr Jiechi, which is part of the tradition of BRICS NSAs meeting.
Both sides acknowledged talks through diplomatic channels to ease tensions. Chinese and Indian troops have been locked in a standoff in the tri-junction for more than a month since Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the area.
China claimed it was constructing the road within its territory. India protested the construction, saying it would allow China to cut India's access to its northeastern states.
Ahead of Mr Doval's visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said no meaningful dialogue can be held with India until it "unconditionally" withdraws troops from Doklam.
He also said Foreign Minister Wang Yi has authoritatively made Beijing's position clear on the issue.
The meeting of security chiefs of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa ends on Friday.
Mr Doval's visit has raised expectations about the likelihood of India and China finding a way out of the over a month-long standoff at Doklam in Sikkim sector.
Ahead of his meeting with Mr Jinping, Mr Doval is expected to hold separate talks with Mr Jiechi to discuss resolution of the standoff at Sikkim sector.
Advertisement
Both sides acknowledged talks through diplomatic channels to ease tensions. Chinese and Indian troops have been locked in a standoff in the tri-junction for more than a month since Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the area.
Advertisement
Ahead of Mr Doval's visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said no meaningful dialogue can be held with India until it "unconditionally" withdraws troops from Doklam.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
On India-Bangladesh Border, A Strip Of Land Where Laws Of Both Apply Watch: Ishan Kishan Returns To Form, Gears Up For Duleep Trophy With Sensational Catch Vivo T3 Pro 5G Confirmed to Launch in India Soon; Design, Key Features Teased How Extreme Weather Is Leading To Rise In Child Marriages In Pakistan Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death "Probably First Time Since '87/88...": Omar Abdullah On J&K Poll Dates Trump-Musk Chat Shows Innovation Alone Can Save Legacy Media Mob Sets Cars On Fire After 15-Year-Old Stabbed Inside Udaipur School On India-Bangladesh Border, A Strip Of Land Where Laws Of Both Apply Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.