Normalisation of India-China ties is in interest of both: Jaishankar

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In a farewell meeting on Wednesday with Chinese ambassador Sun Weidong, Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar said normalisation of India-China relations was in the interest of both countries, of Asia and also the “world at large”.

With the two countries yet to fully resolve the eastern Ladakh military stand-off, Jaishankar emphasised that peace and tranquility in the border areas is essential.

“Received ambassador Sun Weidong of China for a farewell call. Emphasised that the development of India-China relations is guided by the three mutuals,” tweeted Jaishankar.

As the minister has said in the past, the ‘three mutuals’ include mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. While disengagement has been achieved at several friction points, India maintains that the process has to be completed in the remaining areas for restoring normalcy in ties.

Sun said after the meeting that both sides attached great importance to China-India relations and that China was ready to work with the Indian side to promote “the sound and steady development of the bilateral relations along the right track”.

“Honoured to bid farewell to external affairs minister Dr. Jaishankar. Appreciate the assistance and support rendered by the MEA during my tenure,” he tweeted.

In his farewell remarks on Tuesday, Sun said it is natural for China and India to have some differences but the focus should be to seek common ground for development while resolving pending issues through dialogue.

Indian and Chinese militaries carried out disengagement from the Patrolling Point 15 in the Gogra-Hot springs area last month. However, there has been no progress yet on resolving the stand-off in the Demchok and Depsang regions. (The Times of India)