By NewsGram Staff Writer

"The settlement of the border issue is 'critical' for India-China ties," said National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Friday.

Speaking at a Border Security Force (BSF) function, Doval expressed his concern over the McMahon line that passes over Tawang region in India.

"We have got 3,488-km long border, a very difficult and mountainous terrain snow-clad. Now for the bilateral relations with China, border is the critical and vital issue," Doval said during the event.

He mentioned that though Modi's visit will improve the friendly relation with China, but there should be no negotiation regarding the border issues.

"We are particularly concerned about the Eastern sector where the claims have been made on Tawang (in Arunachal Pradesh) which is totally in contravention of accepted principles," Doval said. He also said that China was ready to accept the McMohan Line on its border settlement with Myanmar but not with India, calling it an act of hypocrisy.

"The fact is that there is settled population in these areas particularly in Tawang and other areas which have been participating in the national mainstream all through," said Doval.

"So, these are the ticklish issues. But these ticklish issues have to be talked about, deliberated and worked out," he said, adding that there was a need for working out a "larger plan for tackling China."