External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on Monday at the G20 summit to discuss the future of bilateral relations between India and China. The meeting came in the wake of a recent breakthrough in de-escalating tensions along their shared border, which had been a source of serious concern following clashes in 2020.
Progress in Border Disengagement
At the start of their talks, Jaishankar highlighted the positive steps taken in recent weeks to ease the standoff along the India-China border. “We noted the progress in the recent disengagement in the India-China border areas,” Jaishankar shared on social media platform X, reflecting on the positive developments since the leaders of the two countries met in Kazan last month.
The de-escalation agreement, reached after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting in Kazan, has been viewed as a significant step in reducing border tensions and setting the stage for improving overall relations between the two nations.
Enhancing Strategic Mutual Trust
China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian echoed the sentiment of strengthening bilateral ties, stating that China was committed to enhancing “strategic mutual trust” with India. Lin emphasized China’s readiness to cooperate more closely with India, building on the common understandings reached by both sides during recent diplomatic talks.
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Jaishankar, too, underscored the importance of maintaining momentum in the discussions between India and China. “In Kazan, our leaders reached a consensus on the next steps in our relations, keeping in mind the understanding of 21st October,” he explained. The agreement reached on October 21 marked a turning point in the border situation, as both countries agreed to work toward reducing tensions following the deadly clashes in 2020.
Implementation of De-escalation Agreement
Jaishankar expressed satisfaction with the ongoing implementation of the October 21 agreement, noting that the de-escalation process along the border was proceeding as planned. This positive development has opened up new avenues for improving bilateral relations, particularly as both sides look ahead to future engagements, including potential meetings between their leaders at international forums.
Lin further reiterated China’s commitment to following through on the agreements made by the leaders of both nations. “China stands ready to work with India to deliver on the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, step up communication and cooperation, and enhance strategic mutual trust,” Lin stated.
Path Forward for Diplomatic Engagement
During their meeting, Jaishankar and Wang Yi agreed on the importance of continuing diplomatic dialogue and cooperation. Jaishankar revealed that the leaders had directed foreign ministers and special representatives from both countries to meet at an early date to discuss further steps. “Some progress and discussions have happened in that direction,” he noted.
Although Xi Jinping, who is also attending the G20 summit, was in the same city, it appears that no direct contact occurred between him and Prime Minister Modi on Monday. Lin confirmed that he had no information about a potential meeting between the two leaders.
