August 19, 2025
NEW DELHI – External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday said that the basis for any positive momentum in India-China relations lies in the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquility along the border. He emphasized that progress in the de-escalation process is equally essential.
In his opening remarks during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, Jaishankar said, “This occasion provides us an opportunity to review our bilateral ties. It is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and on issues of mutual interest.”
Acknowledging that the two countries have experienced a difficult phase, the Minister underlined the need to move forward constructively.
“Having gone through a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations must 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 turn into disputes, nor competition into conflict,” Jaishankar said.
The talks, he added, would cover a wide range of issues including economic and trade relations, pilgrimages, people-to-people exchanges, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity, and other bilateral matters. He noted that he would follow up on concerns he had raised during his visit to China in July.
Jaishankar also said that Wang Yi would discuss border issues with India’s Special Representative, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, on Tuesday, marking the 24th round of Special Representative-level talks.
“This is very important, because the foundation of any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. Moving the de-escalation process forward is essential,” he stressed.
On global issues, Jaishankar said India and China share the responsibility of ensuring stability in the world economy and promoting a fair, balanced and multipolar world order, including a multipolar Asia. “Reformed multilateralism is also the call of the day,” he noted.
He further underlined the importance of joint efforts against terrorism in all its forms, and expressed hope that the discussions would contribute to building “a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China, one that serves both our interests and addresses our concerns.”
Jaishankar highlighted that Wang Yi’s visit comes just days before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, hosted by China.
“We have worked closely with the Chinese side during its Presidency. We wish you a successful Summit with strong outcomes and decisions,” he said.
The Chinese Foreign Minister arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a two-day official visit.