G20 Summit: On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, marking their first meeting since India and China signed a crucial border disengagement agreement in October.A Meeting Paving the Path ForwardThe discussions between Jaishankar and Wang Yi follow the earlier commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The two leaders had emphasized the importance of foreign minister-level engagement to reinforce diplomatic efforts.EAM Jaishankar Meets Chinese Counterpart Wang Yi On #G20Summit Sidelines“We noted the progress in the recent disengagement in the India-China border areas. And exchanged views on the next steps in our bilateral ties,” @DrSJaishankar wrote on X pic.twitter.com/3DRoT8L6sx— Soumyajit Pattnaik (@soumyajitt) November 19, 2024Jaishankar expressed satisfaction with the progress of the on-ground implementation of the border deal, highlighting that the disengagement process is unfolding as planned. Exchanging views on the deals proceedings has been instrumental in outlining the next steps in our bilateral relationship, he stated.Ending the Longstanding Border StandoffIndia and China announced significant advancements in resolving the protracted border dispute, which had seen both nations amass troops and infrastructure along contentious areas. The disengagement process has begun at key friction points, including Depsang and Demchok, where military personnel have started withdrawing to pre-standoff positions.Temporary military structures on both sides are being dismantled, signaling de-escalation. The process is ongoing in the Kazakh region, reflecting a mutual commitment to maintaining peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control.Strengthening Multilateral TiesJaishankar underscored the geopolitical importance of both nations in global platforms like BRICS and G20, noting how collaborative efforts can enhance bilateral relations. The progress of the border agreement is a milestone in India-China relations, fostering a path for greater cooperation, he added.The successful implementation of the disengagement agreement is expected to reduce tensions and open new avenues for diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring giants.
