India says ties with China normalising as Doval, Wang Yi hold talks in Delhi

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on Monday on the sidelines of a BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting, as both sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral ties.

India’s foreign ministry described the discussions as “constructive and forward-looking”, saying the two leaders discussed developments in the relationship and “noted progress towards gradual normalisation”.

India, which currently chairs the BRICS group, is hosting the meeting of BRICS national security advisers in New Delhi on Monday and Tuesday.

The talks come as relations between the two neighbours continue to improve following years of tension that began with a border clash in 2020. The relationship saw an improvement in 2024, helping ease a period of prolonged friction.

According to a readout issued by China’s foreign ministry, Wang stressed the importance of addressing key concerns in the bilateral relationship.

“We must respect each other’s core interests, properly handle sensitive issues”, Wang said in the Chinese foreign ministry readout.

Wang also called for the resumption of bilateral dialogue mechanisms and urged greater exchanges in areas including trade, finance, law enforcement and media.

The Chinese foreign minister further said the BRICS mechanism should actively advocate the promotion of the multi-polarisation process.

BRICS brings together founding members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with several newer member countries.

(With inputs from agencies)