Jaishankar discusses bilateral issues  with Chinese Politburo member Wang Yi

New Delhi, July 25: During his official tour to Laos, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with Chinese Politburo member and prominent diplomat Wang Yi. Both leaders are attending the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework, which includes sessions of the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Jaishankar shared, "Met with CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi in Vientiane today. Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties. Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process. Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements. It is in our mutual interest to stabilize our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency.”

Context of India-China Relations

India-China relations have been marked by tension and periodic engagement, particularly following the border clash in Ladakh in 2020. Since then, both nations have held numerous high-level talks aimed at de-escalating tensions and managing the border situation. These efforts include the Corps Commander-level talks, diplomatic engagements at the BRICS summit, and bilateral meetings at international forums. Despite these discussions, the border remains a sensitive issue, with both sides maintaining a significant military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Diplomatic and Economic Engagements

The border tensions have led to a series of military and diplomatic talks, but the situation remains delicate. Both countries continue to hold military and diplomatic discussions, including around 25 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks and several rounds of meetings under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs since 2020. Occasional meetings between the Special Representatives of India and China have also taken place to seek a political resolution to the boundary disputes.

Despite the ongoing tensions, economic ties between India and China have persisted. India has implemented measures to reduce its economic dependence on China, such as banning several Chinese apps and increasing scrutiny on Chinese investments. Nevertheless, China remains one of India's largest trading partners. In FY 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries totalled $118.4 billion, with imports from China at $101.7 billion and exports from India to China at $16.67 billion.

Future Prospects

India-China relations are a complex mix of economic interdependence and strategic rivalry. High-level engagements continue to manage security tensions, while trade remains a vital but contentious aspect of their relationship. As both countries navigate these dynamics, the balance between cooperation and competition will shape the future of their bilateral ties. This ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of both nations approaching immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency to stabilize and enhance their relationship.