Beijing: China and India reaffirmed their commitment to improve bilateral relations and maintain peace on the border in a meeting between Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday. According to the statement of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang said that there has been some progress in bilateral relations and it is necessary for both sides to further improve communication, build mutual trust and work towards resolving practical issues. Wang Yi called on both sides to stick to the consensus that they are "opportunities for development for each other, not threats" and "partners, not rivals" so that both sides can get a win-win.
Knowledge given on the principle of good neighborly friendship
He said, "Both sides should uphold the principle of good neighborly friendship, strive for mutual benefit and demonstrate the historical wisdom of two great ancient civilizations by properly handling sensitive issues and maintaining peace and stability in border areas." Wang said that Beijing and New Delhi should pay more attention to areas of cooperation and strengthen exchanges at various levels and fields.
Doval has gone to China for SCO meeting
Doval is in China for a meeting of senior national security officials of the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a regional block that focuses on security. According to Delhi's statement issued on Monday after the Wang-Doval meeting, both sides emphasized the need to promote the overall development of India-China relations, including developing better relations between people.
Doval sought China's support on terrorism
During the meeting, Doval also stressed the need to "combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations to maintain overall peace and stability in the region." The conflict between India and Pakistan started after the Pahalgam attacks in Kashmir in late April. Pakistan was behind the Pahalgam attack. The NIA has revealed that all the terrorists involved in this attack were Pakistanis. However, Pakistan, like every time, has denied involvement in this attack this time too.
Doval visited China for the second time after December
Wang had earlier hosted Doval in Beijing in December, when the two sides agreed to normalize relations again after the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. The crisis began in May 2020 and turned into a deadly border conflict a month later. The standoff in the Galwan Valley on the disputed Himalayan border between China and India was resolved after the disengagement process was completed at the last two friction points, Demchok and Depsang, under an agreement reached in October last year.
How are India-China relations improving?
As part of broader efforts to reset ties, China and India agreed to resume direct flights, issuance of visas and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, located in Tibet. According to Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua, the first group of pilgrims arrived in southwest Tibet on Friday to begin their 12-day pilgrimage. The second group is expected to enter China on Wednesday.
