BEIJING, July 14: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday, emphasized that India-China relations have made “good progress” in the past nine months and urged both sides to move towards de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He stressed that while differences may exist, they should not become disputes, and competition must not lead to conflict.

Jaishankar noted that the recent thaw in bilateral ties stems from efforts to resolve border friction and maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC. “We have made good progress in the past nine months for the normalisation of our bilateral relations. It is a result of the resolution of friction along the border and our ability to maintain peace and tranquillity there,” he stated in his opening remarks.

The talks were held just hours after Jaishankar arrived in Beijing to attend a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Reflecting on recent diplomatic momentum, Jaishankar cited the October 2024 meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, which laid the groundwork to revive stalled dialogue mechanisms.

“Our bilateral relationship requires that we take a far-seeing approach to our ties. Since our leaders’ meeting in Kazan, the India-China relationship has been gradually moving in a positive direction. Our responsibility is to maintain that momentum,” said Jaishankar.

The minister also voiced concern over what he called “restrictive” trade practices, likely referring to China’s curbs on exports of critical minerals. “Measures towards normalising our people-to-people exchanges can certainly foster mutually beneficial cooperation. It is also essential in this context that restrictive trade measures and roadblocks are avoided,” he added.

He further emphasized that stable and constructive ties between the two Asian giants are not only vital for the two countries but are also crucial for global stability. “This is best done by handling relations on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity,” Jaishankar said.

The meeting between the two foreign ministers is seen as a step forward in easing tensions that escalated following the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, with both countries reaffirming their intent to rebuild trust and expand cooperation.