By Sitaram Mewati
India and China have taken another step towards rebuilding bilateral relations, with External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holding talks on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila. The meeting reflected continued diplomatic efforts by both countries to maintain dialogue and expand cooperation while addressing pending issues through peaceful engagement.
During the discussions, Dr Jaishankar observed that ties between the two neighbours have been steadily improving following the understanding reached by the leadership of both countries in recent years. He said the meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October 2024 and later in Tianjin had provided fresh momentum to bilateral engagement.
“Relations between India and China have been gradually normalising since the leaders met in Kazan. That positive direction was reaffirmed during their subsequent meeting in Tianjin,” the External Affairs Minister said.
Jaishankar reiterated that a stable relationship between the two countries should be guided by mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests. He stressed that peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control remain essential for the overall development of bilateral ties and called for differences to be managed through sustained diplomatic dialogue.
The ministers also reviewed progress in practical cooperation, including measures aimed at improving people-to-people exchanges. The recent restoration of direct air connectivity and efforts to facilitate travel were welcomed as positive developments expected to boost tourism, business and academic interactions.
Relations between India and China have witnessed gradual improvement following several rounds of diplomatic and military-level consultations after the border tensions of 2020. The Manila meeting is being viewed as another constructive engagement aimed at enhancing communication and strengthening confidence between the two neighbouring nations.
Observers believe sustained high-level dialogue and continued diplomatic contacts will remain central to ensuring regional stability and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
