Afghanistan features in Sino-Indian foreign minister talks at SCO
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It is understood that Afghanistan featured in talks between Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Chinese counterpart Wan Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Jaishankar told Yi that progress in the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh was essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity and that it is the basis for the development of overall ties.
It is understood that developments in Afghanistan figured in the talks between the two foreign ministers.
"Met Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Dushanbe. Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for development of bilateral ties," Jaishankar tweeted.
Met Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Dushanbe.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 16, 2021
Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for development of bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/wmO0sxeWwL
After the meeting, Jaishankar said India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory.
"Also exchanged views on global developments. Emphasized that India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory. It is also essential that China does not view its relations with India through the lens of a third country," he said.
"As for Asian solidarity, it is for China and India to set an example," the external affairs minister said.
The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.
As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area last month, in a significant forward movement towards the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the region.
In February, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement.
Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector.
(With inputs from agencies)