The Kazan meeting with Jinping fostered a constructive atmosphere, advancing various initiatives and revitalizing important dialogue channels, including the Special Representatives’ talks

New Delhi

India and China have made significant progress in their bilateral relationship following the peaceful resolution of last year’s border standoff, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval said on Tuesday. Speaking at the 24th round of Special Representatives talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, Doval noted that the borders have remained calm, allowing substantive discussions between the two countries over the past nine months.

These talks come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on August 31-September 1. Doval credited the October 2024 meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Wang Yi, marking the first Chinese ministerial visit since the Ladakh standoff, acknowledged that past disruptions had hurt both nations. He stressed that stable borders and mutual trust offer an opportunity to strengthen cooperation. Wang highlighted the need for strategic communication, broader collaboration, and proper resolution of boundary issues to build a healthy bilateral relationship.

Confidence-building measures such as boosting border trade, improving boundary management, and preventing tensions were discussed. Wang also assured External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar that China is addressing India’s concerns regarding exports of rare earth minerals, fertilizers, and large tunnel-boring machines. Both sides aim to consolidate stability and pursue mutually beneficial growth.

Wang Yi will meet Prime Minister Modi later, concluding his two-day visit focused on enhancing China-India ties and promoting long-term regional cooperation. The talks underscore the commitment of both nations to maintain peace along the border and foster productive engagement across economic, strategic, and diplomatic spheres.