On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. Their bilateral discussions primarily focused on resolving ongoing issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh and stabilizing bilateral relations.
Jaishankar expressed the importance of achieving an early resolution to the remaining border issues. Both ministers agreed to intensify efforts through diplomatic and military channels towards this goal.
Emphasizing the need for respecting the LAC and maintaining peace in border areas, Jaishankar highlighted the guiding principles of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest in shaping bilateral ties.
In an official statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs underscored that prolonging the current situation in border areas was not beneficial for either side. Jaishankar reiterated the necessity to expedite disengagement in Eastern Ladakh to restore peace and normalize bilateral relations. He emphasized the commitment to upholding previous bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings, ensuring that the Line of Actual Control remains respected.
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Both ministers agreed to enhance meetings between diplomatic and military officials from both countries to advance their discussions and resolve outstanding issues promptly. They also decided that the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) should convene soon to facilitate this process.
In addition, Jaishankar extended India’s support for China’s upcoming Presidency of the SCO next year. The discussions also touched upon global developments, reflecting the broader scope of their diplomatic engagement beyond bilateral issues.
The meeting between Jaishankar and Wang Yi signifies a concerted effort to address longstanding border tensions and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and China within the SCO framework.
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