External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday, during the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting. The meeting focused on resolving the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh and stabilizing bilateral relations.
Both Ministers agreed that the current border situation is not in the interest of either side and emphasized the need for complete disengagement and restoration of border peace and tranquility. EAM stressed the importance of abiding by bilateral agreements and protocols, respecting the Line of Actual Control, and ensuring peace in border areas.
The Ministers agreed to continue meetings between diplomatic and military officials to resolve remaining issues, with an early meeting of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC). EAM reiterated that mutual respect, sensitivity, and interests are essential for a strong India-China relationship.
The meeting also included discussions on the global situation, with India extending support for China’s SCO presidency next year.
This meeting marks a important step towards resolving border issues and strengthening bilateral relations between India and China.
Picture source: X post from @DrJaishankar