Doval and Wang Yi hold talks in New Delhi
India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held constructive and forward-looking talks in New Delhi on Monday, June 22,2026 ahead of the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting. Both sides reviewed recent developments in India China relations and noted progress toward gradual normalisation after years of strain following the 2020 border clashes in eastern Ladakh.
The meeting comes as India chairs BRICS this year ahead of the leaders’ summit scheduled for September. Wang Yi, who also serves as a member of the Communist Party of China’s Political Bureau and Beijing’s special representative on the India China border question, attended the meeting at Doval’s invitation. The engagement marks another high-level contact between the two Asian powers as they attempt to stabilise ties through dialogue and practical steps.
India China ties show cautious thaw
According to the Indian side, Doval underlined that stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations help build trust and better understanding between the two countries. The message reflected New Delhi’s cautious approach: engagement is moving forward, but the relationship remains shaped by security concerns, border management and unresolved differences.
The latest meeting fits into a broader diplomatic thaw that gained pace after a border agreement in 2024. Since then, India and China have resumed direct flights, eased some visa restrictions, restarted the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage and taken incremental steps on trade and investment. These moves suggest both countries are trying to rebuild limited confidence without ignoring the deeper issues that continue to affect the relationship.
BRICS summit adds diplomatic focus
The talks are also being viewed as preparation for possible higher-level engagements later this year. A potential visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to India for the BRICS summit would be closely watched, given the importance of India China ties to regional stability, trade and global diplomacy.
Bilateral trade reached record levels in 2025, but India continues to face a large trade deficit with China. That imbalance remains a key concern even as both sides look for areas of cooperation. For now, the Doval Wang Yi meeting signals cautious progress, with both countries seeking a more stable framework while avoiding claims of a complete reset.
