What Basis Supports Positive Momentum in India-China Relations?

New Delhi, Aug 18 (NationPress) Highlighting the critical need for advancing the de-escalation process, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated on Monday that the foundation for any positive shifts in India-China relations hinges on the ability to collaboratively sustain peace and tranquility in the border regions.

"Your Excellency will be engaging in discussions regarding border matters with our Special Representative, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, tomorrow. This is imperative as the very foundation for any constructive momentum in our relationship is the capacity to jointly uphold peace and tranquility in the border areas. Furthermore, it is vital for the de-escalation process to progress," Jaishankar remarked during his opening statements at the meeting with the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi.

Also attending the meeting were Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials, shortly after the Chinese Foreign Minister arrived in the Indian capital for a two-day visit.

"When the two largest nations globally convene, it is expected that the international landscape will be a topic of discussion. We are advocating for a just, balanced, and multi-polar world order, which includes a multi-polar Asia. The need for reformed multilateralism is pressing. In today's context, there is an undeniable necessity to maintain and enhance stability in the global economy as well. The fight against terrorism in all its forms remains a significant priority. I am eager for our exchange of perspectives," Jaishankar added.

On Tuesday, Wang Yi will engage in a fresh round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue concerning the boundary issue with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. He is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later that day.

EAM Jaishankar pointed out that this meeting offers an opportunity for both nations to assess their bilateral relationship and discuss global dynamics, including mutual interests. He indicated that the discussions would encompass economic and trade matters, pilgrimages, people-to-people interactions, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity, and bilateral exchanges.

"Having navigated a challenging period in our relationship, Excellency, our nations now aspire to progress. This requires an open and constructive approach from both sides. In this journey, we must adhere to the three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. Differences should not evolve into disputes, and competition should not lead to conflict. Our discussions today will cover economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity, and bilateral exchanges. I would like to address some specific concerns I raised during my visit to China in July, Excellency," the EAM stated.

India, he noted, has collaborated closely with China during its ongoing Presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). With the SCO Summit in Tianjin set for August 31-September 1, which Prime Minister Modi will also attend, EAM Jaishankar wished Wang Yi a successful summit with "strong outcomes and decisions."

He concluded: "Overall, we anticipate that our discussions will foster a stable, cooperative, and forward-looking relationship between India and China, one that serves both our interests and addresses our concerns," he asserted.