New Delhi [India], August 18 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday emphasized that the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India offers both countries an opportunity to review bilateral ties and exchange views on global developments and issues of mutual interest.
In his opening remarks during the meeting, Jaishankar noted that India and China have experienced a challenging period in their relationship but are now seeking to move forward. “Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides. In that endeavour, we must be guided by the three mutuals—mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. Differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict,” he said.
Jaishankar added that the talks would cover economic and trade matters, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity, and bilateral exchanges. He also intended to follow up on concerns he raised during his visit to China in July.
Bilateral ties had strained after Chinese military actions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, leading to a standoff in April-May 2020. Subsequent agreements on border troop disengagement and patrolling arrangements ahead of the 2024 BRICS Summit helped ease tensions. Jaishankar stressed that maintaining peace in border areas is foundational for any positive momentum in bilateral relations.
He highlighted that Chinese discussions on border issues would continue with India’s Special Representative and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, marking the 24th round of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China. “The de-escalation process must move forward, and stability in border areas is essential,” he said.
Jaishankar also pointed to the broader international context, calling for a fair, balanced, and multipolar world order, including a multipolar Asia. He underscored the importance of global economic stability and the fight against terrorism. “Overall, it is our expectation that our discussions would contribute to building a stable, cooperative, and forward-looking relationship between India and China, one that serves both our interests and addresses our concerns,” he added.
The minister welcomed Wang Yi and his delegation, noting that this is the first visit by a Chinese Foreign Minister since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. The Chinese Foreign Minister arrived in New Delhi on a two-day visit ahead of the SCO Summit in Tianjin.
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