Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 24 June, with Beijing signalling its readiness to deepen bilateral ties and implement consensus reached between the two nations' leaders. The meeting, held against the backdrop of gradual normalisation in India-China relations, covered trade cooperation, border management, and the two countries' shared role in the Global South.

Key Developments

During the talks, Wang conveyed China's intent to 'continuously enhance trust and dispel doubts, properly handle sensitive issues, and maintain the positive momentum of bilateral ties,' according to a post shared by China's Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, on X. Wang also reaffirmed China's support for India's role as the rotating chair of BRICS, pledging to work together to advance the bloc's cooperation agenda.

Wang described India and China as 'the two largest developing countries and important members of the Global South,' arguing that both nations should 'play an exemplary role in promoting solidarity and self-reliance' among developing economies. He further urged the two sides to view bilateral relations 'from a long-term perspective' and to pursue cooperation 'from a global perspective.'

Border Issue and Sensitive Matters

On the contentious border question, Wang said it was 'imperative to respect each other's core interests, properly handle sensitive issues, and place the China-India border issue in an appropriate position, so that it doesn't affect the overall situation of bilateral relations,' as quoted in Ambassador Xu's post. This framing — placing the border dispute in a compartmentalised context — reflects Beijing's consistent diplomatic posture since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which had sent ties into a prolonged freeze.

Wang also called on both sides to 'actively guide all sectors of society to form a correct understanding' and build a 'solid public opinion and social foundation for improving bilateral relations' — a signal that Beijing is attentive to domestic sentiment in both countries shaping the relationship.

Wang Yi-Doval Meeting on BRICS Sidelines

A day earlier, on Monday, Wang held a separate meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisors Meeting. Both sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations and acknowledged progress towards 'gradual normalisation.' Wang reiterated China's support for India's BRICS chairmanship during that session as well.

Officials Present

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Ambassador Xu Feihong, and other senior officials were present during the Modi-Wang Yi meeting. The Indian government had not released a separate official readout at the time of reporting; details cited here are drawn from the Chinese Ambassador's post on X.

What This Signals

The meeting marks one of the highest-level in-person diplomatic engagements between India and China since ties began recovering after the October 2024 agreement on border patrolling in eastern Ladakh. Both nations have since moved to restore direct flights, resume visa services, and revive stalled business ties. Wang's visit — and his access to the Prime Minister — suggests Beijing is keen to lock in diplomatic momentum ahead of upcoming multilateral summits where both nations will share the stage.