Without mentioning Pakistan, Indian NSA Ajit Doval tells Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi 'to counter terrorism in all forms'

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday (June 23) met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing and delivered a strong message on cross-border terrorism and terror infrastructure. Both sides reviewed recent developments in India-China relations and underscored the need to promote greater people-to-people ties. In an oblique reference to Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorist activities, NSA Ajit Doval emphasised the need to counter terrorism in all its forms for regional peace and stability during a meeting with Wang Yi. Doval's call for countering terrorism comes nearly a month-and-a-half after India carried out precision strikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistani territories early on May 7 in response to the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Later this year, the Chinese FM Wang Yi is expected to travel to India for the SR level talks, on border issues.

NSA Doval is visiting China to attend a conclave of top national security officials of the member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), an influential regional grouping focused on security-related issues. China had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, but had also been found to supplying weapons to Pakistan in its short conflict with India. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, “NSA noted that he looked forward to meeting with Wang Yi in India at a mutually convenient date for the 24th round of the Special Representative (SR) Talks.”

Additionally, no meetings are scheduled with Pakistani counterparts. Both Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and newly appointed Pakistan's NSA, also the ISI Chief, Lt Gen Asim Malik are likely to be present at the SCO meetings given close ties with China.

Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that India is engaged with China both commercially and diplomatically on the issue of rare earth minerals supply and is making all efforts to ensure essential imports. The commerce secretary noted that the government is also in touch with industry organisations like SIAM and ACMA for impact on the auto sector. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is also in touch with the Chinese government through various diplomatic channels. “We are in touch with the Chinese side, both here in Delhi as also in Beijing to bring predictability in supply chain for trade, consistent with international practices,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters last week.