External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday urged China to adopt a “candid and constructive” approach in bilateral relations, built on mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest, as he met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi.
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar emphasized the need to advance the de-escalation process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, where the two militaries were locked in a standoff for over four years. He stressed that “differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict.”
The meeting came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, and is seen as part of ongoing efforts to repair ties strained since the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.
Jaishankar later described the talks as “productive,” noting discussions on trade, border trade, connectivity, river data sharing, pilgrimages, and people-to-people exchanges, along with regional and global issues. He also flagged India’s particular concerns from his July visit to Beijing, without elaborating.
Calling the fight against terrorism a “major priority,” Jaishankar said both nations should work towards a stable, cooperative, and forward-looking partnership. He added that India seeks a fair, balanced, multipolar world order, alongside reformed multilateralism and greater global economic stability.
Wang Yi’s visit primarily focuses on the Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on boundary issues with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, scheduled for Tuesday. Both sides are expected to explore new confidence-building measures while reviewing the situation along the LAC, where an estimated 50,000–60,000 troops remain stationed on each side despite partial disengagement.
The meeting also follows several recent steps to normalize relations, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and India restarting tourist visas for Chinese nationals.
