India, China likely to hold talks on border conflict on sidelines of G20 Summit
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are set to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, raising expectations of a potential bilateral discussion towards resolving the India-China border issue.
Given the recent progress in disengagement and restart of patrolling in Depsang Plains and Demchok, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the meeting is viewed as a significant step toward stabilising relations between the two countries.
Since the October 2024 agreement on disengagement in Depsang Plains and Demchok, both nations have been engaging in regular high-level talks to implement a structured peace process. The focus has now shifted to de-escalation, which could lead to a reduction in military presence in sensitive border areas.
Diplomatic engagements in recent months, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to Beijing in December and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s trip in January, have reinforced the commitment to improving ties.
The December 2024 Special Representatives (SR) Meeting in Beijing marked a crucial turning point, with both sides affirming their intent to manage border peace effectively. This was followed by Foreign Secretary Misri’s visit in January, where key agreements were reached on reviving people-to-people exchanges, resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and improving economic cooperation.
As the G20 summit unfolds, sources suggest that India and China may use the platform to further their dialogue, with the goal of achieving broader consensus on border stability. The meeting could set the stage for continued diplomatic progress, ensuring that peace along the LAC remains a priority for both countries in 2025.
