External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The two leaders acknowledged the progress made in recent disengagement efforts along the India-China border.
In a post shared on X (Twitter), Jaishankar wrote, “On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio, met CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi of China. We noted the progress in the recent disengagement in the India-China border areas and exchanged views on the next steps in our bilateral ties. Also discussed the global situation.”
On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio, met CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi of China.
We noted the progress in the recent disengagement in the India-China border areas. And exchanged views on the next steps in our bilateral ties.
Also discussed the global situation. pic.twitter.com/fZDwHlkDQt
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 19, 2024
The meeting comes as both nations work to address tensions along their shared border and explore avenues for enhancing bilateral relations amidst a complex global landscape.
Wang also talked of the need for “more mutual trust and less suspicion,” between the regional rivals, the China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement added.
“We should send more positive signals and do more things that are conducive to exchanges between the two countries; enhance mutual trust and have less suspicion;” Wang said.
Wang also urged the Indian side to step up cooperation on exchanging journalists and facilitating visas.
Jaishankar later said, “It is very good to meet on the sidelines of G20. We saw each other recently on the sidelines of BRICS as well. Our contribution to both platforms was notable in shaping the outcomes but it was a reminder to us of the importance of our two countries in international politics.”
Jaishankar recalled his October interactions in Russia’s Kazan and said, “In Kazan, our leaders reached a consensus in taking the next steps in our relations bearing in mind the understanding of October 21. I am glad to note that on the ground the implementation of that understanding has proceeded as planned. Our leaders have directed the Foreign Ministers and the special representatives should meet at an early date. Some progress, some discussions have happened in that direction. Today, I am looking forward to discussing with you the next steps.”
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement quoting Wang Yi on his discussions with S. Jaishankar, highlighting India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. According to the statement, Wang said, “S. Jaishankar noted that during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, the leaders of the two countries reached a consensus on promoting the stable development of India-China relations. I am glad to see that both sides are taking steps to implement this consensus and achieve positive progress.”
The statement further quoted Jaishankar as saying, “India hopes to restart the relevant dialogue mechanisms at the earliest and sustain the momentum of improving relations through enhanced communication. The consensus between India and China far outweighs their differences. Both sides should adopt a strategic perspective, address issues with a more positive attitude, and not allow specific differences to define the overall relationship.”
The remarks underline the efforts by both nations to navigate challenges and foster stability in their bilateral ties.
Jaishankar’s meeting with Wang Yi came just two days after he stated that the disengagement phase of the issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh had been resolved, with the focus now shifting to de-escalation. Speaking at an event in Delhi, Jaishankar emphasized that it is “reasonable” to anticipate some improvement in India-China relations following the final round of disengagement. However, he expressed caution, noting it would be premature to suggest a complete reset in bilateral ties.
Ravi Shankar
