EAM Meets China’s Wang Yi, Stresses Redoubling Efforts for Complete Border Disengagement

Astana/New Delhi, July 4 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday, emphasizing the need to intensify efforts for complete disengagement in the remaining border areas of Eastern Ladakh. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Astana SCO Summit.

During the discussions, Jaishankar reiterated the importance of the three mutuals – mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest – as guiding principles for bilateral relations. He highlighted the necessity of respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and ensuring peace and tranquility in the border areas.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said: “Met with CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi in Astana this morning. Discussed early resolution of remaining issues in border areas. Agreed to redouble efforts through diplomatic and military channels to that end. Respecting the LAC and ensuring peace and tranquility in the border areas is essential. The three mutuals – mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest – will guide our bilateral ties.”

An official statement revealed that both Ministers had an in-depth exchange of views on resolving the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh, aiming to stabilize and rebuild bilateral relations. They agreed that prolonging the current situation in the border areas is not beneficial for either side.

Jaishankar stressed the importance of abiding by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and past understandings. He called for the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to hold an early meeting to advance discussions and resolve remaining issues swiftly.

Additionally, the two Ministers exchanged views on the global situation, with Jaishankar extending India’s support for China’s upcoming Presidency of the SCO next year.

Bilateral relations between India and China deteriorated sharply in 2020 after violent clashes in the Galwan Valley, resulting in 20 Indian soldiers’ deaths and an unspecified number of Chinese casualties. Despite several rounds of talks and massed troops on either side of the poorly demarcated 3,800 km (2,400 mile) border, the boundary issue remains unresolved.