Rio de Janeiro: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s external affairs minister, held talks on improving bilateral relations in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that the successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan marked a positive turning point. He noted that the resumption of China-India relations aligns with the fundamental interests of both nations, meets the expectations of Global South countries, and follows the right direction of history.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Wang highlighted the importance of implementing the significant consensus reached by the two heads of state, which involves respecting each other’s core interests, fostering mutual trust through dialogue and communication, and managing differences with sincerity and integrity. Both sides aim to restore the bilateral relationship to a stable and healthy develo
pment path swiftly. Wang stressed the need to send positive signals, engage in actions that facilitate bilateral exchanges, enhance mutual trust, and promote cooperation over attrition.
Wang also called for practical progress on issues such as resuming direct flights, exchanging journalists, and easing visa procedures promptly. With next year marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and India, Wang urged planning commemorative activities and encouraging exchanges and visits across various fields and levels to boost understanding and trust.
Wang pointed out that as neighboring major developing countries, China and India share more common interests than differences. Both nations should view each other’s development as an opportunity and collaborate towards mutual development and rejuvenation, which will help protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and contribute to global multipolarity. Furthermore, both countries adhere to a non-aligned foreign policy and
multilateralism and support the democratization of international relations. Wang emphasized the importance of continued coordination and cooperation in international affairs and further development of mechanisms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Jaishankar, on his part, acknowledged the consensus reached during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, where leaders of both countries agreed on promoting the stable development of India-China relations. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made in implementing the leaders’ consensus and highlighted India’s eagerness to restart relevant dialogue mechanisms quickly to maintain the momentum for improving and developing bilateral relations through enhanced communication.
Jaishankar affirmed that the consensus between India and China significantly outweighs their differences. He emphasized the importance of viewing bilateral relations from a strategic perspective and handling relevant issues positively, ensuring that specific disagreements do not do
minate their ties. The Indian side is keen to use the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to advance India-China relations.
As key players in international affairs, both China and India exhibit potential for cooperation. Jaishankar reiterated India’s opposition to unilateralism, rejection of military alliances, and support for the democratization of international relations. He expressed India’s readiness to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China within multilateral platforms like the G20 and BRICS.