India-China Relations Can Strengthen a Multipolar Asia, Says EAM S Jaishankar

Manila, July 22: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that a stable and cooperative relationship between India and China has the potential to contribute significantly to a multipolar Asia and a balanced global order. He, however, reiterated that lasting peace and stability along the border remain essential for the normalisation of bilateral relations.

Jaishankar made the remarks during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ meetings in Manila, Philippines.

Reviewing the progress in bilateral ties, Jaishankar noted that relations have steadily improved since the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October 2024. He added that subsequent high-level engagements have further reinforced efforts to restore normal diplomatic relations.

The External Affairs Minister said India believes that mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity should remain the foundation of India-China ties. According to him, such an approach would not only strengthen bilateral cooperation but also support regional and global stability.

Emphasising the importance of border stability, Jaishankar said maintaining peace and tranquillity in frontier areas is indispensable for building normal relations. He added that both countries have worked through diplomatic and military mechanisms since late 2024 and these efforts should continue with full commitment.

He also observed that while India and China, as neighbouring powers, will naturally have differing national interests, these differences should be managed through dialogue and diplomacy rather than being allowed to escalate into disputes.

Highlighting recent positive developments, Jaishankar welcomed the resumption of direct flights, revisions to visa procedures, the revival of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and the reopening of border trade. At the same time, he said both sides must continue discussions on unresolved issues, including fair market access, trade imbalance, reliable supply chains and greater people-to-people exchanges.

The minister also thanked China for supporting India’s BRICS presidency this year and appreciated its cooperation in various initiatives undertaken under the grouping.

Describing the international environment as increasingly complex, Jaishankar said the meeting offered an opportunity for both countries to exchange views on major regional and global developments while exploring ways to strengthen diplomatic cooperation.

His meeting with Wang Yi took place during his two-day visit to the Philippines, where he is participating in key ASEAN-led ministerial meetings, including the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers‘ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum.