What Did NSA Ajit Doval Discuss with China's Wang Yi Amid Rising Tensions?
High-Level Diplomatic Talks Between India and China
New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic dialogue, Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval engaged in a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday. Doval reiterated that India does not seek war and emphasized the nation's dedication to a ceasefire and the restoration of peace with Pakistan.
This conversation followed a tragic terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of several Indian personnel.
During their discussion, Doval highlighted the severe casualties from the Pahalgam attack, indicating the need for India to undertake counter-terrorism measures.
The exchange, as reported by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, centered on the importance of regional stability and the necessity of maintaining peace amidst rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to the Chinese readout, NSA Doval characterized the Pahalgam attack as a serious event that warranted counter-terrorism actions, while reaffirming that India does not desire war and is committed to a ceasefire and peace with Pakistan.
Wang Yi condemned the attack and reiterated China's strong stance against terrorism in all its forms.
"The Pahalgam terrorist attack resulted in significant casualties among Indian personnel, necessitating counter-terrorism actions. War is not India's choice and is not beneficial for any party. Both India and Pakistan should commit to a ceasefire and aim to restore regional peace and stability promptly," the Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted NSA Doval.
Wang emphasized that peace and stability in Asia are hard-earned and should be valued, urging both India and Pakistan, as neighboring countries, to resolve their disputes through dialogue and avoid further escalation.
"China appreciates your statement that war is not India's choice," Wang told Doval, expressing hope that both nations would remain calm, exercise restraint, and achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through mutual discussions—an outcome that aligns with the fundamental interests of both countries and the expectations of the global community.
However, the situation on the ground soon contradicted the diplomatic dialogue.
Shortly after India and Pakistan announced a mutual agreement to cease military actions, hostilities resumed.
In a late evening press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri accused Pakistan of breaching the ceasefire terms established by the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs).
"In recent hours, this understanding has been violated by Pakistan. The Indian Army is responding to this border intrusion," he stated.
Describing the Pakistani actions as "extremely condemnable," Foreign Secretary Misri called on Pakistan to promptly cease these violations.
He confirmed that Indian armed forces are on high alert and have been instructed to respond decisively to any further breaches along both the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC).
India had initiated a significant counter-terrorism operation, 'Operation Sindoor', on May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir with precision strikes.
In retaliation, Pakistan has frequently deployed drones against Indian border states, which have been intercepted and neutralized by Indian air defense systems.
As tensions continue to rise despite diplomatic efforts, the international community is expected to closely observe the forthcoming actions from both New Delhi and Islamabad.