Special Correspondent, Dhaka:
India is intensifying high-level diplomatic engagement with both China and Russia this week, This attempt reflects New Delhi’s effort to manage key strategic relationships amid evolving regional and global dynamics.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is expected to travel to China for the 25th round of talks under the Special Representatives mechanism on the India-China boundary dispute. He is expected to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussions are likely to focus on border management, confidence-building measures, and the broader process of stabilizing bilateral ties.
The timing is significant as Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit India in September for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. If confirmed, it would be Xi’s first visit to India in seven years. His expected participation could provide an opportunity for both sides to assess progress in restoring relations following years of tension along the Line of Actual Control.
Despite steps such as the resumption of direct flights, easing of visa restrictions, and revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, substantial differences remain over the border. India has repeatedly linked the broader relationship with China to maintaining peace and stability along the frontier.
At the same time, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is visiting Moscow for the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation. He is also scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and exchange views on regional and international issues.
The simultaneous engagement with Beijing and Moscow highlights India’s preference for maintaining strategic flexibility. While China remains a major economic and security factor for India, Russia continues to be an important partner in defense, energy, trade, and strategic affairs.
For New Delhi, the challenge is to strengthen ties with both countries without allowing differences with either to disrupt its wider foreign-policy priorities. The upcoming diplomatic engagements could therefore offer important signals about India’s approach to balancing competing strategic interests.
