'Early Resolution Of Border Issues': Jaishankar After Meeting Chinese Counterpart (Photo on X @DrSJaishankar)
Amid the ongoing India-China skirmishes on Ladakh border, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today, June 4, met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting of the council of heads of state, SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, international security and defence organization. Jaishankar had reached Kazakhstan on Tuesday, to represent India in place of Prime Minister Modi.
As a significant diplomatic leap amid standoff, the meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to exchange views on the key issues. A release issued by the ministry today said that the foreign minister of India and China agreed to step up meetings of the diplomatic and military officials of the two sides to take forward their discussions to resolve the issue immediately.
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The statement further said that the minister stressed the need to strengthen efforts to achieve border peace and remove obstacles towards the return of normalcy in bilateral relations, noting that both ministers concurred that the prolonged dispute is not in the interest of either side.
The ministry also asserted the significance of “fully abiding by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings” made between the two countries in the past. The ministers also discussed some of the global developments.
Taking to X, the foreign minister highlighted that the “India-China relationship is best served by observing the three mutuals – mutual respect, mutual sensitivity mutual interest.”
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… pic.twitter.com/kR3pSFViGX
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 4, 2024
However, the discussion is expected to bring down the ongoing dispute and border aggression in the area. Congress general secretory in charge of communication Jairam Ramesh last month once again flagged his concerns, asking the Prime Minister to end his silence about the border standoff with China. The Congress leader alleged that the China is continuing its aggressive moves along the border, noting that the neighboring country is blocking Indian Access in strategic areas.
