The India-China relations must be guided by mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday (August 18, 2025) conveyed this to his visiting Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Mr. Jaishankar held talks with Mr. Wang shortly after the Chinese Foreign Minister landed in Delhi on a two-day visit.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, the External Affairs Minister also underlined that differences between the two countries should not become disputes.

“This occasion provides us an opportunity to meet and review our bilateral ties. It is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of mutual interest,” Mr. Jaishankar said.

“Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, Excellency, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides.

“In that endeavour, we must be guided by the three mutuals – mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. Differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict,” he said.

In his statement, Mr. Wang said, “The basis for any positive momentum in our ties is to maintain peace and tranquility on our border.”

The Chinese Foreign Minister is visiting India primarily to hold the next round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary question. Mr. Wang and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval are the designated special representatives for the boundary talks.

Mr. Wang was received at the Delhi airport by Gourangalal Das, the Joint Secretary of the East Asia division of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is received upon his arrival at Delhi airport by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary of the East Asia division of the MEA, on August 18, 2025. Photo: X/MEAIndia via PTI

Mr. Wang’s visit comes days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned trip to China to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

The Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit is largely seen as part of ongoing efforts by the two neighbours to rebuild their relationship after it came under severe strain following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

The two sides are expected to discuss new confidence-building measures for durable peace and tranquillity along their contested border during Mr. Wang’s visit, people familiar with the matter said.

The Chinese Foreign Minister’s trip is also seen as important as it comes amid increasing tensions in India-U.S. relations following President Donald Trump doubling tariffs on Indian goods to 50% that included an additional penalty of 25% for purchasing Russian crude oil.

Mr. Wang and Mr. Doval are scheduled to hold a new edition of SR dialogue on the boundary question at 11 a.m. on Tuesday (August 19, 2025).

According to the MEA, Mr. Wang will call on PM Modi at his 7 Lok Kalyan Marg residence at 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday (August 19, 2025).