Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday expressed optimism about improving India-China relations, highlighting progress on border stability and stressing Beijing’s high regard for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
Speaking at Hyderabad House in New Delhi during the latest round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary issue with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Wang Yi addressed recent challenges in bilateral ties. He said the setbacks over the past few years had not served the interests of people on either side.
He said, “I am very pleased to meet you again in New Delhi for this round of boundary talks between the special representatives of China and India. The setbacks of the past few years did not serve the interests of the people of our two countries.”
Recalling the October 2024 meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi in Kazan, Wang noted that the interaction ‘pointed the direction for bilateral development and provided impetus for the proper settlement of the boundary question’.
The Chinese Foreign Minister highlighted the outcomes of the 23rd round of SR-level talks held late last year. He described the discussions as constructive.
“We reached a new and important consensus on managing disagreements, stabilising the borders, and moving toward a settlement. We are heartened that stability has now been restored.” Wang said.
He also appreciated NSA Doval’s role in steering India’s approach to the dialogue. He described the current phase of relations as an ‘important opportunity for improvement and growth’.
High Expectations from PM Modi’s Visit
Looking ahead, Wang underscored the significance Beijing attaches to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China. The visit is scheduled for the SCO Summit in Tianjin next month.
“The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Prime Minister’s visit to China to attend the SCO summit at our invitation. We believe the Indian side will also make a contribution to a successful summit in Tianjin,” he said.
Wang added, “A healthy and stable China-India relationship serves the long-term interests of both countries.” He said it also reflects the aspirations of developing nations.
Wang Yi urged both sides to ‘follow the strategic guidance of our leaders and increase mutual trust through communication’. He also called on them to ‘expand common interests through cooperation and properly settle border issues’.
He further stressed that China is ready to “build more consensus, identify the direction and specific goals of the next round of boundary consultations, and create more conditions for the improvement and further growth of our bilateral relations.”
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