External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held detailed discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday, emphasizing the importance of a “far-seeing approach” to bilateral ties and building a stable and constructive relationship.
“Held detailed talks with Politburo Member and FM Wang Yi in Beijing this evening. Spoke about the need for a far-seeing approach to bilateral ties and building a stable & constructive relationship. Incumbent on us to address aspects related to the border, normalizing people-to-people exchanges and avoiding restrictive trade measures & roadblocks,” Jaishankar posted on X.
“Confident that on the foundation of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, ties can develop along a positive trajectory,” he added.
Jaishankar is in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin. This marks his first visit to the country since the 2020 military standoff in Ladakh severely impacted bilateral ties.
Border Progress & Bilateral Momentum
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar stated that India and China have made significant progress over the past nine months, including the resolution of frictions in eastern Ladakh, which has paved the way for the gradual normalization of ties.
“We have made good progress in the past nine months for the normalization of our bilateral relations. It is a result of the resolution of friction along the border and our ability to maintain peace and tranquility there.”
He reiterated the importance of de-escalation and resolution of remaining border issues, referencing the agreement on patrolling arrangements in Depsang and Demchok reached on 21 October 2024, which led to disengagement from all 2020 friction points.
Jaishankar also welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, thanking China for its cooperation after a five-year suspension.
“We appreciate that the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra has also resumed after a gap of five years. I thank the Chinese side for their cooperation on this matter.”
Trade and People-to-People Ties
The minister urged both sides to normalize people-to-people exchanges and avoid restrictive trade measures, calling these essential to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.
“Measures towards normalizing our people-to-people exchanges can certainly foster mutually beneficial cooperation. It is also essential… that restrictive trade measures and roadblocks are avoided.”
Stability Beyond Borders
Jaishankar asserted that stable India-China ties are not only beneficial to the two nations but to the world.
“Stable and constructive ties between India and China are not only to our benefit, but that of the world as well. This is best done by handling relations on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity.”
He added that India and China should maintain regular strategic communication, preferably in each other’s countries, and stressed that differences should not become disputes, and competition should not turn into conflict.
SCO Summit and Terrorism
Looking ahead to the SCO meeting, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to the group’s goals, particularly in combating terrorism.
“Tomorrow, we will be meeting in the format of the SCO, whose primary mandate is to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism. This is a shared concern and India hopes that zero tolerance for terrorism will be strongly upheld.”
He also extended his best wishes to China for a successful presidency of the SCO.
“I am happy to have this in-depth discussion on the state of our ties in an era of profound change. I look forward to a constructive and forward-looking exchange of views,” he concluded.