"SCO is mandated to fight Terrorism" :::: "Stable and constructive ties b/w India and China to benefit world," Dr Jaishankar tells Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi

"India hopes that zero tolerance for terrorism will be strongly upheld" by SCO: Jaishankar

"Stable and constructive ties between India and China are not only to our benefit, but that of the world as well. This is best done by handling relations on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity," External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during their meeting.

Jaishankar flags off terror menace !!

"We have also earlier agreed that differences should not become disputes, nor should competition ever become conflict. On this foundation, we can now continue to develop our ties along a positive trajectory," he said.  

"Our meeting today will also include an exchange of views on global and regional issues. Tomorrow, we will be meeting in the format of the SCO, whose primary mandate is to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism. This is a shared concern and India hopes that zero tolerance for terrorism will be strongly upheld.  

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Dr Jaishankar also stated that the bilateral relationship requires that "we take a far-seeing approach to our ties".

"Since our leaders’ meeting in Kazan in October 2024, the India-China relationship has been gradually moving in a positive direction. Our responsibility is to maintain that momentum.

In recent times, the two of us have had several opportunities to meet at international events and carry out strategic communication. It is our expectation that this will now be regular and take place in each other’s countries.

This year, we are marking the 75th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. We appreciate that the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra has also resumed after a gap of five years. I thank the Chinese side for their cooperation on this matter.

He also said: "We have made good progress in the past nine months for the normalization of our bilateral relations. It is a result of the resolution of friction along the border and our ability to maintain peace and tranquility there. 

This is the fundamental basis for mutual strategic trust and for smooth development of bilateral relations. It is now incumbent on us to address other aspects related to the border, including de-escalation.

"As neighbouring nations and major economies in the world today, there are various facets and dimensions of our ties. Measures towards normalizing our people – to – people exchanges can certainly foster mutually beneficial cooperation. 

It is also essential in this context that restrictive trade measures and roadblocks are avoided. I hope to discuss these issues in further detail," he said. 

In his meeting with Vice President Han Zheng, the External Affairs Minister in his opening remarks said:  "We have marked, the 75th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is also widely appreciated in India. Continued normalization of our ties can produce mutually beneficial outcomes.

"The international situation, as we meet today, is very complex. As neighboring nations and major economies, an open exchange of views and perspectives between India and China is very important."