External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar minced no words during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, on his first visit to India on Monday. Both leaders will reportedly discuss de-escalation in Sino-India border to global economy in the aftermath of Trump tariffs.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is on a two-day visit to India, landed in Delhi on Monday. In his opening remarks in the meeting, Jaishankar pointed out that there was a "difficult period" in India-China ties and both nations now wish 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," the external affairs minister said.
Both leaders would reportedly discuss economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges. India is likely to bring up Trump tariffs, China's defence support for Pakistan, and Russia-Ukraine conflict during the discussion.
Wang Yi is primarily in India to conduct next round of talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the boundary question. Wang and Doval are the designated special representatives for the boundary talks. "It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward," Jaishankar remarked.
"We seek a fair, balanced and multi-polar world order, including a multi-polar Asia. Reformed multilateralism is also the call of the day," Jaishankar remarked.
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In his opening remarks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China maintained peace and tranquillity in the border areas. "We shared confidence to dispel interference, expand cooperation and to further consolidate the momentum of improvement and development of China-India relations, so that while pursuing our respective rejuvenation, we can contribute to each other's success and provide the most needed certainty to Asia and the world."
The renewed vigour in India-China relations comes after US President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports. Ties between the two Asian giants soured after the 2020 Galwan clashes. India recently advised airline operators to resume direct flights to China, which were suspended in 2020.
According to reports, the Chinese foreign minister is likely to visit Pakistan next. China and Pakistan share close defence and trade ties. Pakistan's recent closeness with the United States has reportedly got Beijing concerned.