India pressed China for an early and complete disengagement of troops in the remaining areas along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, as foreign minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi last week, saying normalisation of the border situation is a prerequisite for normalisation of ties.
India and China agreed that restoring peace in border areas is in the common interest of the two countries. Differences remained though as Jaishankar conveyed to Wang India’s “national sentiment” that friction arising from China’s deployments since April 2020 cannot be reconciled with a normal relationship and Wang called for a “long-term view” saying India and China, as “mature” countries, should not allow border issues to affect the overall development of ties.
While there was no breakthrough or any major announcement, Wang’s “outreach” in the form of his visit was seen as significant and the meetings with Doval and Jaishankar were described as cordial, open and candid. China didn’t bring up Quad or Indo-Pacific during the meetings.
Wang said China was looking forward to PM Narendra Modi’s participation in the BRICS summit later this year and invited Doval to China for carrying forward the mandate of the Special Representatives on IndiaChina boundary question. Doval responded positively and said he could visit China as soon as the “immediate issues” are resolved. Doval told Wang continuation of present situation is not in mutual interest and that restoration of peace and tranquility will help build mutual trust and create enabling environment for progress in relation. He said it was important to ensure actions do not violate spirit of equal and mutual security and that there was a need for maturity and sincerity.
Jaishankar told Wang India found his remark expressing solidarity with OIC countries in Islamabad on the issue of J&K objectionable and conveyed India’s hope that China would follow an independent policy in respect of India, and not allow it to be influenced by other countries.
