Jaishankar and Wang Yi Discuss India-China Relations at G20 Summit
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to address key issues in the India-China relationship. During the meeting, Wang Yi called for the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.
In 2020, India imposed visa restrictions on Chinese nationals and suspended direct flights amid the Covid-19 pandemic, disrupting travel and bilateral exchanges.
Jaishankar and Wang Yi Discuss Security, Trade, and Diplomatic Cooperation
The meeting between S. Jaishankar and Wang Yi is part of ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral ties and address key issues, including security, trade, and diplomatic collaboration between Beijing and New Delhi.
China Pushes for Direct Flights and Visa Facilitation
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi advocated for the resumption of direct flights and visa services between India and China, emphasizing the importance of improving trade and fostering people-to-people connections.
Wang Yi Calls for Enhanced Cooperation on Visas and Journalist Exchanges
Wang Yi urged India to strengthen collaboration in streamlining visa processes and facilitating exchanges between journalists, aiming to improve bilateral ties.
‘More Trust, Less Suspicion’ Needed, Says Wang Yi
Emphasizing the importance of trust, Wang Yi called for “more mutual trust and less suspicion” between the two nations. Last month, India and China began implementing an agreement to de-escalate a military standoff along their disputed Himalayan border.
Jaishankar Praises Progress on Ladakh Disengagement
During their discussions, both S. Jaishankar and Wang Yi acknowledged the significant progress made in the recent disengagement process in the Ladakh region. The India-China border, especially in Eastern Ladakh, has been a hotspot for military tensions since 2020, but both nations have taken steps toward de-escalation following a recent agreement.
Jaishankar took to social media platform X to highlight the development, noting, “We noted the progress in the recent disengagement in the India-China border areas.”
India-China Focus on Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The discussions also explored the broader scope of India-China relations, with both leaders outlining steps to further enhance their partnership. Emphasis was placed on the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation in both diplomatic and security matters.
Following Modi-Xi Talks, India-China Pursue Stronger Ties
This meeting follows last month’s pivotal diplomatic engagement between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. At that summit, PM Modi emphasized that the relationship between India and China is vital not only for the two nations but also for regional and global peace and stability.
Steps Toward Normalising India-China Relations
The recent disengagement agreement between India and China, aimed at easing military tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), represents a significant step toward normalising relations between the two countries.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had previously emphasized the importance of continued military and diplomatic talks to restore normalcy along the border.
Singh stated, “Discussions have been ongoing in certain areas along the LAC between India and China at both diplomatic and military levels to address conflicts. After recent talks, a broad consensus has emerged to restore the situation on the ground, based on mutual and equal security.” He also noted that the disengagement process is “nearly complete,” though additional steps will take more time.
Meanwhile, India and China are preparing to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
