What's Inside The China File Doval Wants Closed?

During the BRICS security meeting hosted in New Delhi, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines. The discussions focused on confidence-building measures between the two countries.

This meeting took place against the backdrop of India-China differences along the Line of Actual Control. The LAC remains undemarcated, with both sides holding differing perceptions in the western sector, including areas such as Aksai Chin, Pangong Tso, Depsang, and Demchok, as well as in the eastern sector covering Arunachal Pradesh. Some friction points saw movement through a patrolling arrangement reached in October 2024.

Inside BRICS, India and China have differed on matters including group expansion, the group’s agenda, and positions on terrorism. India has pushed for stricter membership criteria and stronger language on counter-terrorism while keeping the focus on practical cooperation among member countries.