India-China Relations Progress: Key Talks & Challenges

Beijing, July 14 (PTI): As relations between India and China continue to normalize, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of de-escalating the situation along the Line of Actual Control. This discussion emerged during wide-ranging talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on Monday. Jaishankar highlighted how, after significant progress over the past nine months, the two nations can continue to foster their relationship on the principle that differences need not evolve into disputes and competition should not escalate into conflict. The need to avoid "restrictive" trade measures and "roadblocks," particularly in light of Beijing's halt on exporting critical minerals, was also underlined by the minister. These discussions coincided with Jaishankar's arrival in China to participate in a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave. Jaishankar remarked on the necessity for both countries to adopt a forward-looking perspective in their bilateral relations. Referring to the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October 2024, he noted the gradual positive shift in India-China relations. He stressed the responsibility of both nations to uphold this momentum. "We have made significant progress over the past nine months toward the normalization of our bilateral relations, mainly due to the resolution of border friction and the preservation of peace and tranquility there," the external affairs minister stated. He emphasized that this stability forms the foundation for mutual strategic trust and the smooth development of bilateral relations, and that addressing de-escalation remains critical. Discussing multiple facets of India-China ties, Jaishankar noted the importance of normalizing people-to-people exchanges to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation. He reiterated the need to avoid restrictive trade measures and anticipate in-depth discussions on these issues. Stable and constructive India-China ties, he noted, benefit not only the two nations but have global significance. "This stability is best maintained by managing relations based on mutual respect, interest, and sensitivity," he added. "Our earlier agreement that differences should not become disputes, nor should competition turn into conflict, provides a firm foundation for continuing to develop our ties positively," Jaishankar concluded.