External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, met on Monday to discuss a range of issues, with Jaishankar reiterating India’s call to move forward with the de-escalation process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Jaishankar noted that after a “difficult period” in their relationship, both nations need to be guided by “mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest.”
The meeting precedes a discussion between Wang and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the designated Special Representatives for the border issue, on Tuesday. Jaishankar stressed that maintaining “peace and tranquility in the border areas” is essential for any positive momentum in the relationship.
Wang, who is the first Chinese minister to visit India since an understanding was reached last October to end the military standoff that began in April-May 2020, will also meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This meeting is significant as Modi is expected to travel to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on August 31 and September 1, where he is likely to have a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping.
The discussions between Jaishankar and Wang also covered economic and trade issues, river data sharing, border trade, and connectivity. Jaishankar followed up on “particular concerns” he had raised during a visit to China in July, including China’s curbs on exports of rare earth minerals and fertilizers.
Both ministers acknowledged the need for a stable and multipolar world order. Wang said that “shared confidence” has helped “dispel interference, expand cooperation and further consolidate the momentum of improvement and development of China-India relations.”
The recent thaw in relations has led to the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to the Tibet region after a five-year gap and the resumption of tourist visas for Chinese nationals. The two countries are also in advanced negotiations to restart direct flights and border trade.
India And China Seek To Move Past “Difficult Period” In Relations
