Ajit Doval Holds Key Talks with China, Iran on Sidelines of BRICS Security Meet in Delhi
New Delhi: India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held separate bilateral meetings with the Chinese Foreign Minister and a senior Iranian official on the sidelines of the BRICS security conference in New Delhi, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi focused on restoring stable bilateral relations, which have been strained since the 2020 border clashes in eastern Ladakh. Both sides exchanged views on maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and resuming diplomatic and military dialogue. No joint statement was issued after the closed-door discussions.
In a separate meeting with Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Doval discussed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its implications for regional security. The Iranian official briefed Doval on the situation in Gaza and the broader West Asia region, while Doval stressed the need for de-escalation and protection of civilian lives. The two sides also reviewed bilateral cooperation in security and counter-terrorism.
The BRICS security meeting, which brings together top security officials from member nations, aims to strengthen coordination on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and regional stability. This year's talks come amid heightened global tensions and efforts by BRICS to assert a multipolar world order.
India has maintained a neutral stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for restraint and a two-state solution. The meeting with the Iranian official reflects India's nuanced diplomacy, balancing ties with both Israel and Iran.
The discussions with China are part of ongoing efforts to manage the volatile border situation. The last round of military talks between India and China took place in December 2024, with both sides agreeing to maintain peace. Diplomatic sources indicate that today's talks were 'constructive' but did not yield any significant breakthrough.
The BRICS security meeting continues through Thursday, with sessions on transnational crime, terrorism financing, and technology security.
