Despite dispute, NSA Ajit Doval to visit Beijing next week to attend BRICS meeting

Amid dispute with China over border issue, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will be visiting Beijing to attend a BRICS meet next week.

"NSA Ajit Doval will travel to Beijing later this month to attend a BRICS meeting," said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay.

The standoff is expected to figure prominently during the visit of  Doval for the meeting of NSAs from BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - countries from July 26-27.

Speaking about the on-going Dokalam stand-off, MEA spokesperson said that diplomatic channels trying to find resolution to the issue. "India's approach has been that differences should not become disputes," he said.

Meanwhile, China said that diplomatic channels with India remained 'unimpeded' to discuss the military standoff in Sikkim sector but reiterated that the withdrawal of the Indian troops from Doklam area is a 'precondition' for any meaningful dialogue.

"Our diplomatic channel is unimpeded," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters, confirming talks between Indian and Chinese missions to resolve the standoff.

However, Chinese officials say while there may not be a formal meeting between Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, there can be informal talks between the two officials, who are also the Special Representatives of their countries for the border talks.

In New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the matter can be resolved through talks. "We are willing to talk, but both sides have to first take back their armies," she told the Rajya Sabha.