External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that peace along the border is essential for progress in India-China relations. Stressing de-escalation, Jaishankar highlighted cooperation in trade, connectivity, SCO, and global stability, while urging a constructive approach guided by mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Monday underscored that the foundation for any forward movement in India-China relations lies in the two nations’ ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquility along the border areas. Speaking during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, Jaishankar stressed the importance of continuing the process of de-escalation and building a constructive approach toward bilateral ties.
“You, Excellency, will of course be discussing border issues with our Special Representative, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, tomorrow. This is very important because the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials shortly after Wang Yi arrived in the Indian capital for a two-day official visit.
Border Stability Key to Bilateral Progress
Jaishankar reiterated that relations between India and China have gone through a challenging phase in recent years due to tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He highlighted that peace at the border is not only a prerequisite for stable bilateral engagement but also the basis for broader cooperation in global and regional forums.
“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,” the EAM asserted.
He further stated that discussions during the talks would touch upon a wide range of issues including economic and trade cooperation, connectivity, river data sharing, border trade, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and pilgrimage arrangements.
Strategic and Global Concerns
Beyond bilateral concerns, Jaishankar pointed to the importance of aligning perspectives on global challenges. “When the world’s two largest nations meet, it is natural that the international situation will be discussed. We seek a fair, balanced, and multi-polar world order, including a multi-polar Asia. Reformed multilateralism is also the call of the day,” he said.
In particular, he stressed the need to maintain stability in the global economy, strengthen international cooperation against terrorism, and reinforce the spirit of multilateral organizations.
Wang Yi, during his visit, is scheduled to engage in a new round of Special Representatives dialogue on the boundary question with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday. He is also expected to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day, which officials say could help set the tone for the next phase of India-China engagement.
Cooperation in Regional Platforms
Highlighting ongoing multilateral cooperation, Jaishankar acknowledged China’s role in India’s Presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). He expressed hope that the upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin, scheduled for August 31–September 1 and to be attended by Prime Minister Modi, would deliver “strong outcomes and decisions.”
“India has worked closely with China during its ongoing Presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. With the SCO Summit in Tianjin approaching, we wish China a successful summit with strong outcomes,” Jaishankar said.
Way Forward
While relations remain sensitive, both sides expressed readiness to engage in dialogue and cooperation. Jaishankar underlined that the present discussions offer an opportunity to “review bilateral ties and exchange views on the global situation, including some issues of mutual interest.”
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He concluded by emphasizing that India expects the ongoing dialogue to help shape a relationship that is “stable, cooperative and forward-looking, one that serves both our interests and addresses our concerns.”
The meeting comes amid renewed international focus on India-China relations, particularly in the context of border management, regional stability, and the evolving balance of power in Asia. Observers note that while differences remain, the willingness to engage at the highest diplomatic levels signals cautious optimism for the future trajectory of bilateral ties.
