Wang Yi meets Jaishankar as India-China work to strengthen ties while Trump administration ramps up tariffs.
Five years after the Galwan clash, India and China are working to improve bilateral relations as the US escalates its tariff war against New Delhi. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India and met External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar yesterday, marking a key step in fine-tuning ties between the two Asian powers.
Dr Jaishankar emphasized the importance of moving forward after a difficult period, stating:
“Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, Excellency, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides.”
Focus on Mutual Respect and Cooperation
During the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted the three mutuals as guiding principles:
- Mutual respect
- Mutual sensitivity
- Mutual interest
Key areas of discussion include:
- Economic and trade cooperation
- Pilgrimages and people-to-people exchanges
- River data sharing and border trade
- Connectivity and bilateral exchanges
Border Peace and Security
Wang Yi is scheduled to meet National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to discuss border issues, which Dr Jaishankar described as critical for maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas.
“Excellency, when the world’s two largest nations meet, it is natural that the international situation will be discussed. We seek a fair, balanced and multi-polar world order,” Jaishankar said.
China’s Response and Strategic Cooperation
China has pledged to address three major Indian concerns:
- Fertilisers
- Rare earth elements (crucial for high-tech products and military equipment)
- Tunnel boring machines
Wang Yi stressed the global context:
“Unilateral bullying is rampant, and free trade and the international order face severe challenges.”
He added that India and China, as the largest developing nations, should show global responsibility and strengthen a multipolar world.
Restart in India-China Relations
Following the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan, India-China ties are improving:
- Exchanges and dialogue resumed at multiple levels
- Peace and tranquility maintained in border areas
- Indian pilgrims returned to sacred Tibetan sites
Jaishankar emphasized cooperation:
“China and India should strengthen confidence, meet halfway, eliminate interference, expand cooperation, and consolidate the momentum of improvement in relations.”
US Tariffs Add Pressure
The thaw in India-China relations comes as the US imposes 50% tariffs on Indian exports, targeting sectors linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. India maintains that these purchases are market-driven and aimed at energy security.
Despite the US tariffs on India, China faces no secondary sanctions, as most Russian oil it buys is refined and sold globally, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Key Takeaways:
- India-China ties improving after Galwan clashes
- Wang Yi emphasizes global responsibility and challenges of “unilateral bullying”
- Key discussions on trade, border security, and strategic cooperation
- US tariffs on India create external pressure amid diplomatic thaw
As India and China work to strengthen ties amid US tariff pressures, both nations aim to set an example for global cooperation, maintain border peace, and boost trade and strategic collaboration for a stable, multipolar Asia.
Also Read : Marco Rubio Explains Why India Faces Tariffs While China Is Spared on Russian Oil
