External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in New Delhi on Monday said that there could be positive momentum in ties between the neighbours only if there was peace on their border, reaffirming New Delhi’s stance.

“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,” Jaishankar told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who arrived in Delhi on Monday for a two-day visit. Ties with Beijing plunged after the deadly Galwan clashes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2020.

“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.

“Basis for any positive momentum in our ties is to maintain peace and tranquility on our border,” he told the Yi.

“It is also important that de-escalation on border continues,” he said, adding that he expects discussions will contribute to a stable, forward looking relationship between the two countries.

The foreign minister further spoke of the need to enhance stability in the global economy. This comes as pressure mounts from Washington, with US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on allied countries and adversaries alike to settle trade deficits since he took office in January.

This marks the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ (SR) talks on the India-China boundary question. Yi will also hold talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during his visit.