The India-China relations must be guided by mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday conveyed this to his visiting Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
Jaishankar held talks with Wang shortly after the Chinese foreign minister landed in Delhi on a two-day visit.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, the external affairs minister also underlined that differences between the two countries should not become disputes.
"This occasion provides us an opportunity to meet and review our bilateral ties. It is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of mutual interest," Jaishankar said.
"Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, Excellency, 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 underlined that combating terrorism in all its forms remains a top priority for India. The EAM said he looked forward to a candid exchange of views. “It is our expectation that today’s discussions will help in building a stable, cooperative, and forward-looking relationship between India and China—one that not only advances our shared interests but also addresses each other’s concerns,” he noted.
Jaishankar also pointed to Wang’s visit coming just ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin under China’s chairmanship. “We have worked closely with the Chinese side during its presidency, and I take this opportunity to convey our best wishes for a successful Summit with substantive outcomes and decisions,” he said.
He noted that this was the first ministerial visit from Beijing since the leaders of the two countries met in Kazan in October 2024, providing a timely opportunity to review bilateral ties and exchange perspectives on global developments of mutual concern.
"This occasion provides us with an opportunity to meet and review our bilateral ties. It is also an approrpriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of mutual interest," he said.
Turning to the boundary question, Jaishankar underlined that the basis for any positive momentum in bilateral relations lies in both sides being able to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity along the border. “You will, of course, be discussing border issues with our Special Representative NSA Ajit Doval tomorrow,” he told Wang Yi, adding that it was essential for the de-escalation process to move forward.
On the international situation, Jaishankar observed that when the world’s two largest nations meet, it is natural to deliberate on global developments. He said India seeks a fair, balanced, and multipolar world order, including a multipolar Asia, and underlined that reforming multilateralism is the need of the hour. In the present context, he emphasised, it is imperative to maintain and strengthen stability in the global economy.
Wang Yi arrived in New Delhi earlier today to hold border talks with NSA Doval. his visit comes days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned trip to China to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). He is also expected to meet PM Modi tomorrow.
Wang's visit is largely seen as part of ongoing efforts by the two neighbours to rebuild their relationship after it came under severe strain following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.
The two sides are expected to discuss new confidence-building measures for durable peace and tranquillity along their contested border during Wang's visit, people familiar with the matter said.
The Chinese foreign minister's trip is also seen as important as it comes amid increasing tensions in India-US relations following President Donald Trump doubling tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent that included an additional penalty of 25 per cent for purchasing Russian crude oil.
Wang and NSA Doval are scheduled to hold a new edition of SR dialogue on the boundary question at 11 am on Tuesday.
According to the MEA, Wang will call on PM Modi at his 7 Lok Kalyan Marg residence at 5:30 pm on Tuesday.
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