The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) quoted National Security Advisor Ajit Doval as saying that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 has eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship. Doval made these remarks during a meeting with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, where they discussed bilateral ties between India and China, sources said.
The meeting between Doval and Wang Yi took place on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting in South Africa on Monday.
S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, described the ongoing military standoff with China as the most complex challenge he has faced in his diplomatic career. This meeting occurred shortly after S Jaishankar’s recent meeting with Wang Yi. Earlier on Monday, Doval highlighted the need for collective efforts to address cybersecurity challenges during the Friends of BRICS meeting
The military standoff between India and China has been ongoing for more than three years. Both sides acknowledged the significance of the India-China bilateral relationship, not just for their countries but also for the world.
Additionally, the NSA held several bilateral meetings with counterparts from other Friends of BRICS countries. South Africa is set to host the BRICS Summit next month.
