Border peace pre-requisite for normal ties, Jaishankar tells Chinese FM

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said a stable and cooperative relationship between India and China, based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, could make a “valuable contribution” to a multipolar Asia and a multipolar world, while stressing that peace and tranquillity along the border remain essential for the normalisation of bilateral ties. Jaishankar made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ meetings in Manila.
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said the meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress in bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments. “Since the meeting of our leaders in Kazan in October 2024, relations between India and China have been gradually normalising. This direction was further affirmed when they met in Tianjin last August,” he said. Jaishankar underscored that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas was a prerequisite for normal bilateral ties. Jaishankar also appreciated China’s support for various BRICS initiatives during India’s chairmanship of the grouping this year.

My opening remarks in the meeting with Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China today in Manila. pic.twitter.com/eBgUZU4N57

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 22, 2026

The External Affairs Minister is in the Philippines for a two-day visit to participate in the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum, besides holding bilateral meetings with counterparts from several countries.