China-India talks: Narendra Modi praises ‘stable, predictable, constructive ties’
Both sides agree to use diplomatic and military mechanisms to advance border management and start talking about de-escalation
China’s top diplomat pointed to progress on border talks and an agreement to reopen various dialogue channels when he met India’s prime minister in New Delhi on Tuesday.
As the two countries make cautious efforts to improve relations, Wang Yi told Narendra Modi that he and Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval had reached a consensus on regular management and control to maintain peace in border areas.
They also agreed to “properly handle” sensitive points and advance delimitation talks in specific regions, when conditions permitted, Wang said.
In addition, the two countries will revive dialogue mechanisms across various sectors, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.
“Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity,” Modi said on social media.
Wang arrived in India on Monday for talks with Doval and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar about the long-standing Himalayan border dispute between the two countries.
Tensions erupted in a deadly clash between troops in the Ladakh region in 2020, sending a chill through relations, from trade to diplomacy and air travel.
But China and India have increased official visits in recent months and eased some restrictions.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the two countries have now agreed to set up an expert group on “boundary delimitation”, and to establish general-level mechanisms to address border issues in the eastern and middle sectors.
These mechanisms would complement the existing framework for the western sector, which includes Ladakh. Additionally, the two nations will meet to discuss the western sector as soon as possible.
China and India also agreed to use diplomatic and military mechanisms to advance border management and begin discussions on de-escalation, starting with the establishment of principles.
In his meeting with Modi, Wang underscored the importance of learning from experience and the value of hard-won improvements and developments in bilateral ties.
“Regardless of the circumstances, both nations should view each other as partners rather than adversaries, handle differences with prudence and ensure that border disputes do not overshadow the larger bilateral relationship,” Wang said.
The renewed engagement comes as New Delhi’s relationship with Washington is showing signs of strain. The United States has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25 per cent penalty for India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, which is set to take effect on August 27.
In an apparent reference to the US trade policies, Wang said the two sides had reached a consensus on “deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, upholding multilateralism, jointly addressing global challenges and opposing unilateral bullying”.
New Delhi has been a long-standing US partner often viewed as a counterbalance to China’s influence in Asia. India remains a key member of the Quad security alliance alongside the US, Australia and Japan.