External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday held talks with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and underlined that the fight against terrorism in all its forms remains a major priority for India.
In his remarks at the meeting, Jaishankar said the current international environment makes it essential to preserve and enhance stability in the global economy. He also stressed that India seeks a fair, balanced, and multipolar world order, noting that “reformed multilateralism is the call of the day.”
The discussions between the two leaders covered a wide range of issues, including economic and trade ties, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity, and bilateral exchanges.
Jaishankar said India-China relations must be guided by “three mutuals” — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. He added that “differences must not become disputes, nor competition turn into conflict.”
Referring to India’s security concerns, Jaishankar pointed out that the country continues to face cross-border terrorism, largely sponsored by Pakistan, a close ally of China. Earlier in May, India launched Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), followed by strong retaliatory action against Pakistani aggression.
Expressing confidence in the outcome of the meeting, Jaishankar said: “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.”
The visit marks the 24th round of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China, with Wang Yi scheduled to meet National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday to discuss border issues.
“This is very important because the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward,” Jaishankar said.
The visit is also notable as it is the first by a Chinese minister since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. It comes just ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, which China will host.
“We have worked closely with the Chinese side during its presidency. We wish you a successful Summit with strong outcomes and decisions,” Jaishankar added.
Wang Yi arrived in India on Monday for a two-day visit.
-ANI