Lagatar24Desk
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on Thursday during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana. The primary focus of their discussion was the “early resolution of remaining issues in the border areas.”
After the meeting, Jaishankar emphasized the mutual agreement to intensify efforts through diplomatic and military channels to resolve these issues. He highlighted the necessity of respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and ensuring peace in the border areas.
“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 tranquillity in the border areas is essential. The three mutuals – mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest – will guide our bilateral ties,” Jaishankar shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Diplomatic relations between India and China have been strained since Beijing’s forces attempted to transgress the LAC in eastern Ladakh. The standoff resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and several Chinese troops in brutal hand-to-hand combat. Multiple rounds of military and diplomatic-level talks have taken place since then.
New Delhi has consistently maintained that peace and tranquillity in the border areas are prerequisites for normal bilateral relations. In March, India and China exchanged views on achieving complete disengagement and resolving issues along the LAC in the Western sector of the border.
Earlier on Thursday, Jaishankar and Wang Yi shared a warm handshake and chatted briefly before posing for the camera. Jaishankar is leading the Indian delegation at the 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Kazakhstan. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Alibek Bakaye.
“Delighted to meet DPM & FM Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan in Astana today. Thanked him for the hospitality and arrangements for the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit. Discussed our expanding Strategic Partnership and India’s increasing engagement with Central Asia in various formats. Also exchanged views on regional and global issues,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
