New Delhi, August 18, 2025 : India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on Monday to discuss key issues in bilateral relations, following a period of tense engagement between the two countries. The meeting of the Special Representatives of India and China focused on maintaining peace along the border, counter-terrorism cooperation, and broader regional stability.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Jaishankar emphasized that India and China must move forward in their bilateral relationship after navigating a “difficult period,” while addressing three major concerns. He highlighted the critical need to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas, calling for the continued progress of the de-escalation process.

“The basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward,” he said, signaling India’s continued commitment to stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Counter-terrorism was another focal point of the discussions. Given China’s close ties with Pakistan, Mr. Jaishankar stressed the importance of an exchange of views on terrorism in all its forms. His remarks also referenced India’s refusal to endorse the recent joint statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, which omitted mention of the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, while highlighting incidents in Balochistan—implicitly suggesting India’s involvement.

The minister further highlighted the economic dimension of stability. Pointing to the sudden imposition of a 50 per cent U.S. tariff on Indian goods, Mr. Jaishankar underscored the necessity of maintaining and enhancing stability in the global economy. “In the current environment, there is clearly the imperative of maintaining and enhancing stability in the global economy as well,” he said.

India’s vision of a fair and balanced global order was also stressed. Mr. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for a multi-polar world, including a multi-polar Asia, and called for “reformed multilateralism” to address contemporary geopolitical and economic challenges.

China’s increasingly assertive tactics in Southeast Asia have long raised concerns among Indo-Pacific democracies. Territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas—areas rich in minerals, oil, and other resources—remain a flashpoint, with multiple countries including Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Taiwan contesting Beijing’s claims.

The meeting between Mr. Jaishankar and Wang Yi comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize India-China relations while addressing broader regional and global challenges. Analysts suggest that India continues to balance dialogue with China with strategic vigilance, aiming to protect its national interests while promoting peace and stability in the region.

The discussions also underscored India’s growing role as a stabilizing force in Asia, advocating for dialogue, multi-polarity, and cooperative approaches to security and economic development. Both sides agreed to continue exchanges to further these objectives, reflecting a cautious but constructive approach to improving bilateral ties.