India and China will hold the 18th round of border talks in Delhi from Monday — the first round of negotiations after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power last year — where the two sides are expected to focus on clarification of the line of Actual Control (lAC). Special Representative and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval would hold talks with his Chinese counterpart and State councillor Yang Jiechi amid hopes to clinch a solution under the strong leadership in both the countries.
The two-day talk is taking place in the backdrop of candid discussions between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during latter’s visit to Delhi in September last year. The high-profile visit was overshadowed by the intrusion of Chinese troops at Chumar in ladakh region. It was resolved after simultaneous withdrawal by both sides after Xi’s visit.
The incident prompted Modi to suggest Xi that “clarification of lAC” would greatly contribute efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity at the border where troops from both sides often assert their claims and counter-claims. Chinese officials say lAC clarification could figure in this round of talks, and since both Modi and Xi have emerged strong leaders, the two nations may strike a deal.