External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar began talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in New Delhi on Monday and stressed that there could be positive momentum in ties between the two countries, only if there was peace on their border. Jaishankar welcomed Wang ahead of the SCO Summit, and said the talks provide them with an opportunity to review their bilateral ties. 

Jaishankar also stressed on three “mutuals” that the neighbours must strive to adhere to maintain cordial relationships. ” “I welcome you and your delegation to India at the start of your visit for the 24th round of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China,” Jaishankar said.

“This is also the first visit by a Chinese Minister since our leaders met in Kazan in October 2024. This occasion provides us with an opportunity to meet and review our bilateral ties. It is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of mutual interest,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chinese foreign minister said that both New Delhi and Beijing have maintained peace in the border areas and the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash has also begun. He said the they must continue the momentum to contribute to each other’s success.

Jaishankar’s ‘3 mutuals’ suggestion to China

During the talks, the foreign minister recalled the time when the two sides witnessed strained ties (post Galwan clash in 2020), and said that the present meeting requires both sides to engage in a “candid and constructive approach”.

“Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides. In that endeavour, we must be guided by the three mutuals – mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. Differences must not become disputes nor competition, conflict…” Jaishankar added.

On this issue of terrorism, the EAM said the fight against terror and all of its forms is a “major priority” for New Delhi. “I look forward to our exchange of views. Overall, it is our expectation that our discussions would contribute to building a stable cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China, one that serves both our interests and addresses our concerns,” he added.

China bats for better ties with India

In his meeting with EAM Dr S Jaishankar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both India and China have shared confidence to dispel interference, expand cooperation and to further consolidate the momentum of improvement and development of their relations.

“…We maintained peace and tranquillity in the border areas and resumed the Indian pilgrimage to Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in the Xijang Autonomous Region. We shared confidence to dispel interference, expand cooperation and to further consolidate the momentum of improvement development of China-India relations, so that while pursuing our respective rejuvenation, we can contribute to each other’s success and provide the most needed certainty to Asia and the world…” he said.