India-China Relations: A Strategic Update on Ajit Doval’s Visit to Beijing
India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has once again drawn international attention—not merely for his position, but for his remarkable background as a former intelligence officer, and for the sharp clarity he brings to India’s foreign policy in high-stakes meetings. His recent visit to Beijing has sparked renewed discussion about India-China ties, terrorism, and the evolving geopolitical balance in Asia.
Why This Visit Matters
Ajit Doval’s trip to China was more than a routine diplomatic engagement. It took place amid shifting power structures and rising strategic competition between global alliances. Doval met with senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a series of high-level meetings where India emphasized critical concerns—chief among them being China’s ambiguous stance on terrorism.
In a bold statement delivered directly on Chinese soil, Doval criticized the “double standards” prevalent in how certain countries—clearly hinting at China—treat terrorism. It was a pointed message, and it did not go unnoticed by Chinese and global media alike.
The Strategic Context
This visit is being seen as a precursor to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled to be held in China later this year. As a founding member of the SCO, India has consistently pushed for stronger anti-terror cooperation within the bloc. However, the presence of countries like Pakistan in the group has limited meaningful progress.
Doval’s statements are significant because they highlight India’s skepticism about whether SCO can deliver genuine counter-terror results, especially when member states themselves either support or tolerate state-sponsored terrorism.
Despite this, Chinese officials, including Wang Yi, have spoken positively about recent progress in India-China ties, reiterating metaphors such as “when the dragon and the elephant dance together, it benefits all.” However, these overtures often fall flat given China’s ongoing defense cooperation with Pakistan, including supplying advanced weapons like PL-15 missiles and potentially fifth-generation fighter jets.
Will PM Modi Attend the SCO Summit in China?
A critical question emerging from this visit is whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally attend the upcoming SCO summit in China. While India skipped the 2024 SCO summit in Pakistan—represented instead by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar—attending the one hosted by China would be politically and diplomatically weighty.
If Modi decides to go, it could signify a potential thaw in India-China relations and might even open the door for bilateral talks with leaders like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Russia, notably, has been pushing to revive the RIC (Russia-India-China) trilateral format as a counterbalance to Western alliances like NATO and AUKUS.
Russia’s Role and the RIC Ambition
During Doval’s visit, he also interacted with his Russian counterpart. Russia continues to remain a strong strategic partner for India, with plans for long-term cooperation across energy, defense, and manufacturing through to 2030. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon, signaling further alignment between the two countries.
Putin’s broader goal seems to be drawing India and China closer, possibly under the RIC framework. However, India remains cautious—primarily due to China’s actions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and its deepening defense ties with Pakistan.
A Realistic Assessment of the SCO
Despite these high-profile meetings and statements of goodwill, skepticism remains about the effectiveness of the SCO. Ajit Doval’s suggestion for joint counter-terror intelligence sharing within the SCO is commendable—but as long as countries like Pakistan are members, it is unlikely that India can rely on the group to combat terrorism in a meaningful way.
India’s real challenge lies in navigating these forums without compromising its national security priorities. Many strategic analysts believe that BRICS holds greater promise than the SCO, largely because it excludes Pakistan and provides India with more veto power.
Conclusion: Strategic Caution Over Symbolism
Ajit Doval’s assertiveness in Beijing reflects India’s maturing foreign policy—one that is unafraid to call out contradictions, even on adversarial soil. Whether Prime Minister Modi chooses to attend the SCO summit or not will send a strong signal about India’s future engagement with China and its approach to multilateral diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific.
But one thing is clear: India is no longer playing defense diplomatically. With experienced voices like Doval and Jaishankar leading the charge, India is asserting its interests and demanding accountability—especially from those who want to benefit economically from Indian markets while simultaneously undermining its sovereignty.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts and new alliances take shape, India stands at a critical juncture. The decisions it takes this year—particularly regarding China—could define regional power equations for years to come.