Jaishankar meets Wang Yi, discusses resuming India-China direct flights, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Direct flights between the two neighbours were stopped during the pandemic in 2020.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar talked about restarting direct flights between India and China on Monday with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the two also discussed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
The talks covered a range of issues aimed at stabilising relations, including the revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers, and media exchanges.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the importance of these discussions, stating, "The two ministers recognised that the disengagement in the border areas had contributed to the maintenance of peace and tranquillity."
The resumption of direct flights was underscored as a priority.
“It is equally significant testimony of why our bilateral relations are so important. On the ground, the implementation of [October’s] understanding has proceeded as planned," Dr Jaishankar said stressing on the importance of reestablishing connectivity.
The External Affairs Minister said that India is against unilateral approaches to establish dominance and does not view its relationships through the prism of other nations.
The MEA statement noted, "Among the steps discussed were the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, data sharing on trans-border rivers, direct flights between India and China, and media exchanges." These measures, it said, are aimed at fostering trust and stabilising the relationship.
Both ministers acknowledged the strategic significance of India-China ties. Wang Yi remarked, “Our leaders had agreed in Kazan on the way forward. It is imperative that the focus should be on stabilising ties, managing differences, and taking the next steps.”
S Jaishankar echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “India is strongly committed to a multipolar world, including a multipolar Asia. We are against unilateral approaches to establish dominance. India does not view its relationships through the prism of other nations.”
The meeting also saw an agreement to revive dialogue mechanisms like the Special Representatives (SR) talks and the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism, which have been on hold for nearly five years.
“The discussions focused on the next steps in India-China relations. It was agreed that a meeting of the Special Representatives and of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism will take place soon,” the MEA added.
"We are strongly committed to a multipolar world, including a multipolar Asia. Where India is concerned, its foreign policy has been principled and consistent, marked by independent thought and action," Jaishankar said.
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