New Delhi/Manila, Philippines: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a wide-ranging discussion with Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, Philippines.
During the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar said the engagement provided an opportunity to review the progress in India-China relations and exchange views on important regional and global developments.
In his opening remarks, the External Affairs Minister said that India and China’s participation in regional platforms like the EAS and ASEAN Regional Forum offers a valuable opportunity for collective discussions as well as bilateral dialogue.
Recalling the meeting between the leaders of the two countries in Kazan in October 2024 and their subsequent interaction in Tianjin, Jaishankar said that relations between India and China have been gradually moving towards normalization.
He emphasized that a stable and cooperative India-China relationship must be based on mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity, adding that such ties can contribute significantly towards building a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world.
Highlighting the importance of peace and tranquillity along the border areas, Jaishankar said that maintaining stability at the border remains a key prerequisite for normal relations. He noted that both sides have been working towards this objective since October 2024 and stressed the need to continue supporting existing dialogue mechanisms.
The External Affairs Minister underlined that as two large neighbouring nations, India and China will naturally have their own interests and perspectives. However, he reiterated that differences should not turn into disputes and that diplomacy has the responsibility to manage them effectively.
Dr. Jaishankar welcomed the recent steps taken towards normalization of bilateral ties, including the resumption of direct flights, updating of visa arrangements, restarting of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and revival of border trade.
At the same time, he highlighted areas requiring further attention, including fair market access, maintaining a balanced trade relationship, ensuring predictable supply chains, and strengthening official as well as people-to-people exchanges. He also called for agreement on meetings of various bilateral mechanisms and platforms according to mutual priorities.
Referring to India’s ongoing chairship of BRICS, Jaishankar appreciated China’s support for various BRICS activities and initiatives during India’s tenure.
Concluding his remarks, the External Affairs Minister said that the current global environment remains highly complex and that such international gatherings provide an important platform for India and China to exchange views on pressing global challenges.