China promises to address India's three key concerns including rare earths

The commitments are seen as part of efforts to stabilise bilateral ties and build confidence through economic cooperation.

China has conveyed to India that it is working to address three of New Delhi’s key concerns -- the supply of fertilisers, rare earth materials, and tunnel boring machines, reported ANI on Tuesday.

According to sources cited by ANI, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi gave the assurance during his discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The commitments are seen as part of efforts to stabilise bilateral ties and build confidence through economic cooperation.

The assurance comes amid India’s growing focus on securing critical resources and technology needed for infrastructure projects, renewable energy initiatives, and food security.

India and China on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding bilateral ties after years of tension, with both sides stressing the need for mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest as the foundation of future engagement.

EAM Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang held wide-ranging talks in New Delhi, covering border management, trade, cultural exchanges and regional issues.

The meeting came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin later this month.

In his opening remarks, Jaishankar acknowledged the “difficult period” the relationship has endured since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes but said the two nations must now seek to move forward. “Differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict,” he said, adding that progress must be guided by the “three mutuals” — respect, sensitivity and interest.

The minister also underlined the importance of advancing the de-escalation process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, where thousands of troops remain deployed despite agreements on disengagement at friction points.

Jaishankar said the discussions covered economic and trade issues, river data sharing, border trade, pilgrimages, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts. He also flagged “particular concerns” he had raised during his visit to China in July.

Wang Yi, for his part, called for a “correct strategic understanding” between India and China, urging both countries to regard each other as partners rather than rivals. He highlighted the resumption of Indian pilgrimages to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar as a sign of improving ties, while reiterating China’s willingness to expand cooperation and build confidence.

“We maintained peace and tranquillity in the border areas. We share the confidence to dispel interference, expand cooperation and consolidate the momentum of improvement in our relations,” Wang said.

The visit also set the stage for the next round of Special Representatives’ dialogue on the boundary issue, scheduled for Tuesday between Wang and India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Both are expected to explore new confidence-building measures while reviewing the situation along the LAC.