External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana on Thursday.
The meeting focused on the early resolution of remaining border issues between India and China. Following the meeting, Jaishankar emphasised the need for respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and ensuring peace in the border areas.
He highlighted that the principles of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest would guide bilateral relations between the two nations.
Jaishankar shared details of the discussion on the social media platform X, stating, "Met with CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi in Astana this morning. Discussed early resolution of remaining issues in border areas.
Agreed to redouble efforts through diplomatic and military channels to that end. Respecting the LAC and ensuring peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential. The three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest - will guide our bilateral ties."
The relationship between India and China has been strained since the border standoff in eastern Ladakh, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives while countering Chinese forces.
The violent clash also resulted in casualties on the Chinese side. Since then, both countries have engaged in multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the issues along the LAC.
In March, India and China exchanged views on achieving complete disengagement and resolving issues along the LAC in the Western sector of the border. Despite these efforts, tensions have persisted, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and negotiation.
During their meeting in Astana, Jaishankar and Wang Yi shared a warm handshake and engaged in conversation before posing for photographs. This gesture of goodwill underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address and resolve the border issues.
S. Jaishankar is leading the Indian delegation at the 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State (SCO Summit) in Kazakhstan. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by Kazakhstan's Deputy Foreign Minister, Alibek Bakaye.
Jaishankar also met with Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. He expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and arrangements for the SCO summit and discussed the expanding strategic partnership between India and Kazakhstan. The conversation also included India's increasing engagement with Central Asia and views on regional and global issues.
The SCO summit provides a platform for member states to discuss and collaborate on various regional and international issues. India's participation in the summit highlights its commitment to strengthening ties with member countries and addressing common challenges through cooperation and dialogue.
As India and China continue to navigate their complex relationship, the principles of mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest will play a crucial role in shaping future interactions.
The emphasis on resolving border issues peacefully and maintaining stability in the region reflects both countries' understanding of the importance of a stable and cooperative relationship for broader regional security.
The outcome of the recent discussions between Jaishankar and Wang Yi remains to be seen, but the commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation is a positive step towards resolving long standing issues and fostering a more stable and constructive relationship between India and China.
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