India NSA Ajit Doval Set to Visit China:India’s NSA Ajit Doval will visit China next week to attend the SCO national security advisers’ meeting. During his visit, Doval is expected to raise India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism, seek stronger counterterrorism cooperation from China, and discuss the resumption of direct flights between the two countries. The visit also comes amid the recent resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, signaling tentative improvement in India-China ties after years of border tensions.
India NSA Ajit Doval Set to Visit China Ahead of Key SCO Summit
India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval is scheduled to visit China next week for a crucial diplomatic engagement that could shape regional security discussions ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, slated for early September in China. Doval will attend a high-level meeting of national security advisers from SCO member states, where important aspects of the summit’s security agenda are expected to be finalized.
During his visit, Doval is expected to convey India’s firm position on terrorism, a longstanding concern for New Delhi. Reports suggest that Doval will raise serious concerns about cross-border terrorism and proxy groups operating with the backing of Pakistan-based infrastructure. He is likely to call upon Beijing to adopt a clearer and more assertive stance on counterterrorism efforts, which remain a sensitive issue between India, China, and other regional stakeholders.
Diplomatic sources indicate that the talks may also cover additional bilateral matters, including China’s request for resuming direct passenger flights between India and China. These flights have remained suspended since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and resuming them could be an important step toward restoring normalcy in people-to-people contact and trade relations.
The proposal for resuming flights reflects broader efforts to stabilize bilateral ties that have been strained since the 2020 eastern Ladakh border standoff.
Another significant backdrop to Doval’s visit is the recent resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra — a sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, revered by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. The pilgrimage had been suspended for five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and tensions following the border conflict. However, in January this year, following Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Beijing, the two sides agreed in principle to resume the Yatra, signaling tentative diplomatic progress.
The Ministry of External Affairs organizes the pilgrimage annually between June and September, with two access routes: the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. Historically, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has served as a symbolic barometer of the state of India-China relations, often reflecting the broader diplomatic atmosphere between the two neighbors.
Doval’s engagement with his counterparts at the SCO NSA meeting is seen as part of India’s broader strategy to actively shape the regional security narrative. India has been increasingly assertive in multilateral platforms like the SCO, using these forums to emphasize its counterterrorism concerns while seeking cooperative frameworks for regional stability.
The timing of Doval’s visit also underscores the complex balancing act both India and China are attempting — trying to move forward on areas of cooperation while managing persistent areas of friction.
As the September SCO summit approaches, Doval’s discussions in China could play a crucial role in determining not only the SCO’s security priorities but also the evolving trajectory of India-China relations in a rapidly shifting regional and global landscape.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is based on publicly available reports and sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not reflect any official statement or position. Readers are advised to verify independently and follow official channels for the latest updates.