India and China have recently ended a standoff in the Depsang and Demchok areas of Eastern Ladakh near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). After this, India’s Foreign Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, met with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This meeting happened a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. Jaishankar said both countries recognised the progress in solving border problems and talked about how to improve their relationship further.

Jaishankar shared on X that he met Wang Yi, a Chinese leader, during the G20 Summit in Rio. He also talked about how important it is for India and China to work together on global platforms like BRICS and the G20.

Focus on bilateral relations

During the meeting, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of strong ties between the two nations. “It is very good to meet on the sidelines of the G20. We saw each other recently on the sidelines of BRICS as well. Our contribution to both platforms was notable in shaping the outcomes, but it was a reminder to us of the importance of our two countries in international politics," he said.

He added, “Our leaders reached a consensus in taking the next steps in our relations, bearing in mind the understanding of 21st October. I am glad to note that on the ground, the implementation of that understanding has proceeded as planned.”

Wang Yi also stressed the need for greater trust between India and China. “More mutual trust and less suspicion,” he remarked, according to Reuters. Wang further suggested that both nations cooperate to resume direct flights.

The recent disengagement is a positive step in reducing tensions that began in 2020 when Chinese military actions along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh caused a long standoff. This year, India and China will mark 75 years of their diplomatic relationship, showing the importance of working together and having open discussions.