Security Adviser in China, Foreign Minister in Russia: India Steps Up Diplomatic Engagement with Two Major Powers Simultaneously

International Desk

New Delhi is conducting active diplomacy on two fronts in the same week. On the one hand, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is in China to resolve border issues, while on the other hand, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Russia to discuss trade and strategic cooperation.

Doval in Beijing: Border talks after five years

New Delhi and Beijing have taken a major step towards rebuilding ties ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s possible visit to India for the BRICS summit next month. Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited China on Monday (August 24) to attend a special representative-level meeting on the border dispute, where he held bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The 25th round of border talks between the two countries’ special representatives took place on Tuesday. According to Indian media reports, this is Doval’s visit to Beijing after almost five years, which is being seen as an important step towards stability and de-escalation of tensions on the border.

Notably, Doval’s visit to Beijing, which coincided with the recent visit of Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor/Prime Minister to China, has caught the attention of regional observers.

Jaishankar in Moscow: Trade and strategic cooperation under discussion

Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Russia on August 23-24 to discuss trade and scientific cooperation. He will meet his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov during his two-day visit to Moscow. The visit is being organized at the invitation of Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister.

Why dialogue with two powers at once?

Observers say the presence of two top Indian diplomatic and security officials in the capitals of two major powers in the same week is not a coincidence, but rather part of New Delhi’s multi-pronged diplomatic strategy. On the one hand, it is trying to normalize relations with China by easing long-standing border tensions, while on the other hand, it is trying to strengthen trade and strategic ties with traditional ally Russia.

Some international relations analysts explain that in the current global geopolitical situation—especially amid tensions with Western countries over tariffs and trade policies—India is simultaneously seeking to strengthen its diplomatic position by strengthening ties with China and Russia, making it more flexible and versatile. Many believe that these two visits could be part of that preparation before the upcoming BRICS summit.