India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated Monday that the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India gives both countries an opportunity to focus on bilateral relations. He said the time is appropriate to exchange views on international situation and issues of mutual interest, and added that differences must not become disputes.
“Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides. In that endeavour, we must be guided by the three mutuals – mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. Differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict,” Jaishankar said.
India Seeks to Focus on Bilateral Relations With China
“Today, our talks will cover economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges. I would like to follow up on some particular concerns that I had brought up with you, when I visited China in July,” he added.
He said the visiting Chinese leader will be discussing border issues with India’s Special Representative, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, tomorrow. It will be the 24th round of Talks between the Special Representatives of India and China.
“This is very important because the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward,” he said.
“When the world’s two largest nations meet, it is natural that the international situation will be discussed. We seek a fair, balanced and multi-polar world order, including a multi-polar Asia. Reformed multilateralism is also the call of the day,” he added.
India Focuses on Strengthening Stability
Jaishankar said that in the current environment, there is the imperative of maintaining and enhancing stability in the global economy as well.
Chinese Foreign Minister arrived in New Delhi on Monday on two-day visit.
Jaishankar said the visit of the Chinese leader comes days before the SCO Summit that China is hosting in Tianjin.
Jaishankar welcomed the Chinese Foreign Minister and his delegation to India and said this is also the first visit by a Chinese Minister since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the margins of BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia in October 2024.
(Inputs From ANI)
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