According to the Ministry of Defence's latest annual report, India and China are experiencing a gradual diplomatic and military stabilization along the northern frontier. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has scaled back its troop presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), maintaining 10 combined arms brigades near the border alongside equal reserves in traditional training areas. While the report characterizes the border situation as stable, the Indian Army maintains a robust, high state of readiness across all sectors to meet any contingency. 

Are India-China coming closer? China thins Himalayan troop presence! 

Can India become the bridge that a deeply divided world desperately needs?

As New Delhi prepares to host the BRICS Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic balancing act comes under the global spotlight. With leaders from Russia, China and Iran expected in New Delhi, key bilateral meetings could offer opportunities for dialogue amid some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts.

The Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel remain major challenges. India maintains working relationships with countries on opposing sides of these conflicts, giving New Delhi a unique diplomatic position.

But can BRICS become a meaningful space for peace? And can India use its role as BRICS chair to build common ground among members with competing interests?

WION speaks to former Indian ambassador and diplomat Gurjit Singh about India’s diplomatic role, the expansion of BRICS, China’s vision for the bloc and New Delhi’s challenge of keeping BRICS focused on the Global South.

Watch the full report and interview for an in-depth look at India’s biggest diplomatic test at BRICS 2026.

BRICS 2026: Modi, Putin & Xi Meet in New Delhi | Is a New Global Power Shift Coming

Modi-Xi total recall: See the photo journey from the 2019 Mamallapuram summit to Galwan, years of India-China tensions and the 2026 diplomatic thaw

From the warmth of Modi-Xi’s 2019 Mamallapuram summit to Galwan, years of distance and the 2026 diplomatic thaw, see their relationship in pictures

BRICS Summit 2026 | Modi and Xi: The photos that tell the story of India-China ties

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's possible visit to India for the BRICS Summit in September, India's national security advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on a crucial two-day visit with both countries eyeing a reset in their bilateral ties. Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold the 25th round of special representatives' talks on the dispute over the India-China border spanning three thousand four hundred and eighty eight kilometres.&nbsp;During this visit, Doval will also call on China's Vice President Han Zheng. While relations between New Delhi and Beijing had come under severe strain after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, both sides have taken steps to stabilise ties. For instance, direct flights between India and China have resumed and the Kailash Mansarovar yatra has restarted. The last round of talks between Doval and Wang took place in New Delhi in August 2025. Back then, they reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas to promote overall development of the bilateral relationship.&nbsp;On that occasion, they also agreed to re-open trade through the three designated trading points of Lipulekh pass, Shipki La pass and Nathu La pass and facilitate trade and investment flows. Doval's visit also assumes significance as it may lay the groundwork for Xi's potential visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit next month where he can meet PM Modi. Now, the two leaders last met in China's Tianjin in August last year on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ajit-doval-to-hold-border-talks-in-china-ahead-of-xi-s-possible-india-visit-1787593240596/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ajit-doval-to-hold-border-talks-in-china-ahead-of-xi-s-possible-india-visit-1787593240596/embed</a>&nbsp;Back then, PM Modi affirmed that ties between the two countries are heading in a positive direction. Prior to that, PM Modi met Xi in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia's Kazan. It is worth noting that seven years have elapsed since Xi Jinping's last visit to India. Have a look at these visuals from October 2019. As the Chinese President arrived in Chennai for a Summit with PM Modi, he was welcomed by traditional dancers and musicians. The two leaders met in Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram, which is known for its historic temples and architecture. Adorning a traditional Tamil attire, PM Modi took Xi on a tour around UNESCO world heritage-listed monuments in this town.&nbsp;Xi who was dressed in a white shirt and dark trousers watched an Indian cultural show alongside PM Modi. On the next day, both leaders held talks in Mahabalipuram itself as part of their summit. Now, friction between both countries have been brewing over Arunachal Pradesh as well. Earlier in August, India rejected China's criticism of its decision to formally identify 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh on official maps.&nbsp;New Delhi stressed that the state is an inalienable and integral part of India and nothing can change this indisputable reality. Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made India's position amply clear. He emphasised that peace and tranquility in border areas is a pre-requisite for good relations between India and China.

Ajit Doval visits Beijing for India-China border talks as ties improve ahead of Xi Jinping's possible India visit for the BRICS summit

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's possible visit to India for the BRICS Summit in September, India's national security advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on a crucial two-day visit with both countries eyeing a reset in their bilateral ties. Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold the 25th round of special representatives' talks on the dispute over the India-China border spanning three thousand four hundred and eighty eight kilometres. During this visit, Doval will also call on China's Vice President Han Zheng. While relations between New Delhi and Beijing had come under severe strain after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, both sides have taken steps to stabilise ties. For instance, direct flights between India and China have resumed and the Kailash Mansarovar yatra has restarted. The last round of talks between Doval and Wang took place in New Delhi in August 2025. Back then, they reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas to promote overall development of the bilateral relationship. On that occasion, they also agreed to re-open trade through the three designated trading points of Lipulekh pass, Shipki La pass and Nathu La pass and facilitate trade and investment flows. Doval's visit also assumes significance as it may lay the groundwork for Xi's potential visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit next month where he can meet PM Modi. Now, the two leaders last met in China's Tianjin in August last year on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ajit-doval-to-hold-border-talks-in-china-ahead-of-xi-s-possible-india-visit-1787593240596/embed Back then, PM Modi affirmed that ties between the two countries are heading in a positive direction. Prior to that, PM Modi met Xi in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia's Kazan. It is worth noting that seven years have elapsed since Xi Jinping's last visit to India. Have a look at these visuals from October 2019. As the Chinese President arrived in Chennai for a Summit with PM Modi, he was welcomed by traditional dancers and musicians. The two leaders met in Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram, which is known for its historic temples and architecture. Adorning a traditional Tamil attire, PM Modi took Xi on a tour around UNESCO world heritage-listed monuments in this town. Xi who was dressed in a white shirt and dark trousers watched an Indian cultural show alongside PM Modi. On the next day, both leaders held talks in Mahabalipuram itself as part of their summit. Now, friction between both countries have been brewing over Arunachal Pradesh as well. Earlier in August, India rejected China's criticism of its decision to formally identify 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh on official maps. New Delhi stressed that the state is an inalienable and integral part of India and nothing can change this indisputable reality. Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made India's position amply clear. He emphasised that peace and tranquility in border areas is a pre-requisite for good relations between India and China.

Ajit Doval's Beijing visit aims to strengthen India-China ties and prepare for Xi Jinping's possible India visit for the BRICS summit

Gravitas | Ajit Doval to hold border talks in China, all eyes on Xi's possible India visit

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) affirmed on Friday that India does not violate China’s sovereignty in any manner, while questioning Beijing’s claims over Indian territory.At a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said China has been in illegal occupation of parts of Indian territory in Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963 and added that it is India and not China that has been raising issues related to sovereignty.&nbsp;“EAM said that when it comes to sovereignty issues, it is actually India that should be and is raising them. India does not violate China’s sovereignty in any manner and has been consistent,” Jaiswal said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-flew-irgc-men-advisers-and-military-gear-to-yemen-to-bolster-houthis-for-red-sea-blockade-sources-1784820749435">Iran flew IRGC men, advisers and military gear to Yemen, bolstered Houthis for Red Sea blockade: Sources</a>&nbsp;Beijing claimed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that India’s positions on issues concerning Taiwan and Xizang (Tibet) have not changed and that India respects China’s sovereignty.&nbsp;Jaishankar and Wang had met in Manila on July 22 on the sidelines of the ASEAN and East Asia foreign ministers meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | Delhi: Addressing press conference, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, &quot;The External Affairs Minister said that, when it comes to sovereignty issues, it is actually India that should be, and is, raising them. India does not violate China&#39;s sovereignty in any manner… <a href="https://t.co/TiQj0yDt3x">pic.twitter.com/TiQj0yDt3x</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2080635856742969387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>Objects to Chinese projects in J&amp;K</h2>&nbsp;Jaiswal further said that China continues to illegally occupy Indian territories despite acknowledging India’s rights over those regions. He also objected to Chinese projects in territories in Jammu &amp; Kashmir.“But China is in illegal occupation of Indian territory in Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963, where India’s right is officially acknowledged even by China. Also, there are Chinese projects on territories in Jammu and Kashmir that belong to India, and we object to that,” Jaiswal said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-s-mulling-a-massive-bigger-than-ever-before-attack-on-iran-1784828958067">Trump says he’s mulling ‘a massive, bigger than ever before’ attack on Iran</a><h2>Rejects Pakistani media reports of ‘deliberate’ flooding</h2>&nbsp;The MEA also rejected alleged Pakistani media reports claiming that flooding was deliberately caused in Pakistan. The MEA spokesperson called the claims “baseless” and said that the excess water flow in Chenab was the result of heavy rainfall, not any deliberate action by India.&nbsp;Jaiswal said the recent increase in the flow of the Chenab River was a direct consequence of heavy monsoon rainfall in Jammu and adjoining catchment areas between July 20 and 23.&nbsp;“We have seen Pakistani media reports alleging that India is deliberately causing flooding in Pakistan and such allegations are baseless and contrary to the facts. The recent increase in flows in the River Chenab is a direct consequence of intense monsoon rainfall over Jammu and adjoining catchment areas during 20–23 July 2026,” Jaiswal said in the media briefing.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terror-attack-on-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-checkpost-kills-15-including-12-pakistani-soldiers-1784902212890">Terror attack on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa checkpost kills 15, including 12 Pakistani soldiers</a>&nbsp;Jaiswal added that Pakistan had itself earlier attributed the high water levels in the Chenab River to heavy rainfall over the upper catchment.&nbsp;“Significantly, Pakistan’s own Flood Forecasting Division, Lahore, in its Flood Advisory issued on 22 July 2026 (1718 PST), attributed the high flood levels in the River Chenab to heavy rainfall over the upper catchment and stated that high flows at Marala were expected to persist before gradually receding as rainfall over the catchment decreased.”&nbsp;“The rise in river flows is, therefore, a natural hydrological response to heavy monsoon rainfall and not the result of any deliberate action by India,” he added.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said China is in illegal occupation of Indian territory in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963, where India’s right is officially acknowledged even by China. He also objected to Chinese projects on territories in Jammu and Kashmir that belong to India.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) affirmed on Friday that India does not violate China’s sovereignty in any manner, while questioning Beijing’s claims over Indian territory. At a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said China has been in illegal occupation of parts of Indian territory in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963 and added that it is India and not China that has been raising issues related to sovereignty. “EAM said that when it comes to sovereignty issues, it is actually India that should be and is raising them. India does not violate China’s sovereignty in any manner and has been consistent,” Jaiswal said. Also Read: Iran flew IRGC men, advisers and military gear to Yemen, bolstered Houthis for Red Sea blockade: Sources Beijing claimed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that India’s positions on issues concerning Taiwan and Xizang (Tibet) have not changed and that India respects China’s sovereignty. Jaishankar and Wang had met in Manila on July 22 on the sidelines of the ASEAN and East Asia foreign ministers meeting.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said China is in illegal occupation of Indian territory in Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963, where India’s right is officially acknowledged even by China. He also objected to Chinese projects on territories in Jammu and Kashmir that belong to India.

‘China in illegal occupation of Indian territory’: MEA rejects Beijing’s claim on sovereignty

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart, Politburo member Wang Yi, on the sidelines ASEAN Foreign ministers meet in the Philippine capital, Manila signalling continued efforts to stabilise relations between Asia's two giants more than six years after deadly border clashes.&nbsp;India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar noted the progress in ties since the leaders’ meeting in Kazan in October 2024, &amp; Tianjin last August. “Since the meeting of our leaders in Kazan in October 2024, relations between India and China have been gradually normalising,” Jaishankar stated. “This direction was further affirmed when they met in Tianjin last August.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-china-controls-a-critical-ingredient-for-western-ammunition-gravitas-1784659110869">How China controls a critical ingredient for Western ammunition | Gravitas</a>&nbsp;The Indian minister stressed that a stable relationship must rest on firm foundations. “Such a relationship can make a valuable contribution to a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world,” he observed, adding that ties should be guided by “mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity.”Jaishankar reiterated a consistent Indian position on border issues that, “peace and tranquillity in the border areas is obviously the pre-requisite for normal ties. Since October 2024, both sides have engaged to ensure that important objective. This will continue to need our constant attention.”He invoked the leaders’ understanding that “differences should not become disputes,” placing responsibility on diplomacy to manage them responsibly.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-s-new-ai-bloc-china-launches-world-ai-body-with-pakistan-and-russia-in-india-out-1784480997641">Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out</a>&nbsp;Jaishankar welcomed practical steps already taken, the resumption of direct flights, updated visa arrangements, the restart of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and the recommencement of border trade but flagged issues like fair market access, addressing the trade imbalance, predictable supply chains.&nbsp;The meeting came against a backdrop of re set of ties. Since the 2020 Galwan Valley violence that killed 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops, both sides have disengaged forces from several friction points along the Line of Actual Control.&nbsp;India is the chair of BRICS grouping this year and will hold the summit in September. China is extended support to India's BRICS Presidency. &nbsp;

EAM S Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila as India-China ties show signs of stabilisation after the 2020 Galwan clash. Jaishankar stressed mutual respect, border peace and managing differences, while welcoming renewed flights, visas, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and border trade.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart, Politburo member Wang Yi, on the sidelines ASEAN Foreign ministers meet in the Philippine capital, Manila signalling continued efforts to stabilise relations between Asia's two giants more than six years after deadly border clashes. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar noted the progress in ties since the leaders’ meeting in Kazan in October 2024, & Tianjin last August. “Since the meeting of our leaders in Kazan in October 2024, relations between India and China have been gradually normalising,” Jaishankar stated. “This direction was further affirmed when they met in Tianjin last August.” Also Read: How China controls a critical ingredient for Western ammunition | Gravitas The Indian minister stressed that a stable relationship must rest on firm foundations. “Such a relationship can make a valuable contribution to a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world,” he observed, adding that ties should be guided by “mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity.” Jaishankar reiterated a consistent Indian position on border issues that, “peace and tranquillity in the border areas is obviously the pre-requisite for normal ties. Since October 2024, both sides have engaged to ensure that important objective. This will continue to need our constant attention.” He invoked the leaders’ understanding that “differences should not become disputes,” placing responsibility on diplomacy to manage them responsibly. Also Read: Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out Jaishankar welcomed practical steps already taken, the resumption of direct flights, updated visa arrangements, the restart of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and the recommencement of border trade but flagged issues like fair market access, addressing the trade imbalance, predictable supply chains. The meeting came against a backdrop of re set of ties. Since the 2020 Galwan Valley violence that killed 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops, both sides have disengaged forces from several friction points along the Line of Actual Control. India is the chair of BRICS grouping this year and will hold the summit in September. China is extended support to India's BRICS Presidency.

EAM S Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila as India-China ties show signs of stabilisation after the 2020 Galwan clash. Jaishankar stressed mutual respect, border peace and managing differences, while welcoming renewed flights

India and China relations 'gradually normalising', EAM Jaishankar tells Chinese FM Wang Yi

The Indian Army on Monday (June 29) brushed aside the media reports alleging that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had encroached into Arunachal Pradesh and established camps inside Indian territory. In a statement, the Indian Army said that the reports making such claims are “incorrect and without any basis." The statement came after several media reports claimed that a memorandum had been submitted by the Nah Welfare Society (NWS) to the Deputy Commissioner of Upper Subansiri district, alleging that the PLA had expanded its presence in the border areas of Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;“We have seen some media reports alleging recent encroachment by the Chinese PLA and the setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh. These reports are incorrect and without any basis," the Indian Army said in a statement.&nbsp;Read more: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-chinese-military-offers-first-glimpse-of-sixth-generation-fighter-jet-1782774587220">Chinese military offers first glimpse of sixth generation fighter jet</a><h2>What Nah Welfare Society said in its memorandum?</h2>According to the memorandum mentioned by several media outlets, the NWS claimed that China had occupied large stretches of traditional grazing, hunting and agricultural land belonging to the Nah tribal community over the past six years. NWS president Keru Chader alleged that areas that were used by local residents previously had come under the control of the Chinese military. “Our ancestral lands, which were our hunting areas where we freely roamed and collected forest products few years back and our cattle grazing areas are now under the occupation of the Chinese PLA," Chader said in the memorandum submitted to the Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner.&nbsp;Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-india-an-indispensable-tech-partner-says-only-india-can-rival-china-s-engineering-talent-pool-1782782979168"> 'Only country on earth': US says only India can rival China's engineering talent pool, calls New Delhi an 'indispensable' tech partner</a>&nbsp;While the memorandum expressed confidence in the Indian Army, it also claimed &nbsp;that the PLA had built roads and military camps inside Indian territory. Chader said that community remained concerned about what it described as the pace of Chinese activities in the Taksing sector. “We do not doubt our Army and always have faith in them. They have been guarding our land for many years, but their efforts are not enough. The intention and speed of the present activities of the Chinese PLA at Taksing area is very alarming and a matter of grave concern for us. We are losing our land inch by inch day by day to them," the memorandum stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;The memorandum further stated that Chinese activities had intensified over the past 10 to 15 years. The NWS named several areas: Oying (Asaphila area), Paniar (Chujarta area), Marpan (Marnafe), Potrang Lake and Tindingtang (TG), claiming that these are under Chinese control post 2020. He also said that these are located close to Taksing headquarters and are considered important religious and pilgrimage sites.

The Indian Army has rejected media reports claiming the Chinese PLA encroached into Arunachal Pradesh and set up camps inside Indian territory, calling the allegations "incorrect and without any basis." The clarification comes amid continued scrutiny of the India-China border situation.

The Indian Army on Monday (June 29) brushed aside the media reports alleging that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had encroached into Arunachal Pradesh and established camps inside Indian territory. In a statement, the Indian Army said that the reports making such claims are “incorrect and without any basis." The statement came after several media reports claimed that a memorandum had been submitted by the Nah Welfare Society (NWS) to the Deputy Commissioner of Upper Subansiri district, alleging that the PLA had expanded its presence in the border areas of Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh. “We have seen some media reports alleging recent encroachment by the Chinese PLA and the setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh. These reports are incorrect and without any basis," the Indian Army said in a statement. Read more: Chinese military offers first glimpse of sixth generation fighter jet What Nah Welfare Society said in its memorandum? According to the memorandum mentioned by several media outlets, the NWS claimed that China had occupied large stretches of traditional grazing, hunting and agricultural land belonging to the Nah tribal community over the past six years. NWS president Keru Chader alleged that areas that were used by local residents previously had come under the control of the Chinese military. “Our ancestral lands, which were our hunting areas where we freely roamed and collected forest products few years back and our cattle grazing areas are now under the occupation of the Chinese PLA," Chader said in the memorandum submitted to the Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner. Read more: 'Only country on earth': US says only India can rival China's engineering talent pool, calls New Delhi an 'indispensable' tech partner While the memorandum expressed confidence in the Indian Army, it also claimed that the PLA had built roads and military camps inside Indian territory. Chader said that community remained concerned about what it described as the pace of Chinese activities in the Taksing sector. “We do not doubt our Army and always have faith in them. They have been guarding our land for many years, but their efforts are not enough. The intention and speed of the present activities of the Chinese PLA at Taksing area is very alarming and a matter of grave concern for us. We are losing our land inch by inch day by day to them," the memorandum stated. The memorandum further stated that Chinese activities had intensified over the past 10 to 15 years. The NWS named several areas: Oying (Asaphila area), Paniar (Chujarta area), Marpan (Marnafe), Potrang Lake and Tindingtang (TG), claiming that these are under Chinese control post 2020. He also said that these are located close to Taksing headquarters and are considered important religious and pilgrimage sites.

The Indian Army has rejected media reports claiming the Chinese PLA encroached into Arunachal Pradesh and set up camps inside Indian territory, calling the allegations "incorrect and without any basis." The clarification comes amid continued scrutiny of the India-China border situation.

'Under PLA occupation?' Indian Army rejects reports of Chinese encroachment in Arunachal

India and the United States on Tuesday (May 26) signed a major Critical Minerals Framework agreement, a move both countries described as crucial for securing the future supply of materials needed for advanced technology, clean energy and defence manufacturing. The agreement was signed amid growing global concerns over China’s dominance in the critical minerals sector, especially rare earth elements used in semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, military systems and renewable energy infrastructure.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-announces-quad-s-new-indo-pacific-maritime-surveillance-initiative-what-is-it-wion-decodes-1779781338805">Rubio announces QUAD’s new Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance initiative. What is it? WION Decodes</a><h2>India, US to build 'trusted networks'</h2>The agreement builds upon the discussions held earlier this year in Washington DC, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), an initiative designed to strengthen cooperation among trusted partners on mineral security.According to a statement from the US Embassy, the framework aims to build trusted networks for sourcing and processing strategic minerals while reducing dependence on single-country supply chains. The deal also focuses on protecting critical mineral markets from what both sides described as coercive market practices.<h2>What will happen under the rare earth minerals framework?</h2>Under the new framework, India and the US are expected to work together on financing, supply chain resilience, mineral processing technologies and rare earth management.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the agreement as another sign of deepening ties between New Delhi and Washington. "It will strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, help us to collaborate on financing and with the effective management of critical minerals and rare earths".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-students-deserve-better-cockroach-janata-party-revives-petition-targeting-edu-minister-dharmendra-pradhan-neet-2026-paper-leak-1779774614724">'India’s students deserve better': Cockroach Janata Party revives petition targeting Edu Minister Dharmendra Pradhan</a>Calling the partnership increasingly important in a rapidly changing world, he added, "It is one more sign of how close our cooperation is in a world where there are so many challenges but also so many opportunities."<h2>Rubio highlights India's importance in US strategic planning</h2>Marco Rubio also stressed India’s growing importance in US strategic planning, particularly in the technology and manufacturing sectors. “I have spoken often during my time here over the last few days about the strategic alliance between the United States and India and how important that is for our national interest in the United States. And today is a tangible example of it,” Rubio said.

India and the US have signed a major critical minerals deal as both countries try to reduce dependence on China’s dominance over rare earth supply chains. The agreement could reshape everything from EV batteries and semiconductors to defence and clean energy manufacturing. Scroll down to read

India and the United States on Tuesday (May 26) signed a major Critical Minerals Framework agreement, a move both countries described as crucial for securing the future supply of materials needed for advanced technology, clean energy and defence manufacturing. The agreement was signed amid growing global concerns over China’s dominance in the critical minerals sector, especially rare earth elements used in semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, military systems and renewable energy infrastructure. Also read | Rubio announces QUAD’s new Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance initiative. What is it? WION Decodes India, US to build 'trusted networks' The agreement builds upon the discussions held earlier this year in Washington DC, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), an initiative designed to strengthen cooperation among trusted partners on mineral security. According to a statement from the US Embassy, the framework aims to build trusted networks for sourcing and processing strategic minerals while reducing dependence on single-country supply chains. The deal also focuses on protecting critical mineral markets from what both sides described as coercive market practices. What will happen under the rare earth minerals framework? Under the new framework, India and the US are expected to work together on financing, supply chain resilience, mineral processing technologies and rare earth management. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the agreement as another sign of deepening ties between New Delhi and Washington. "It will strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, help us to collaborate on financing and with the effective management of critical minerals and rare earths". Also read | 'India’s students deserve better': Cockroach Janata Party revives petition targeting Edu Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Calling the partnership increasingly important in a rapidly changing world, he added, "It is one more sign of how close our cooperation is in a world where there are so many challenges but also so many opportunities." Rubio highlights India's importance in US strategic planning Marco Rubio also stressed India’s growing importance in US strategic planning, particularly in the technology and manufacturing sectors. “I have spoken often during my time here over the last few days about the strategic alliance between the United States and India and how important that is for our national interest in the United States. And today is a tangible example of it,” Rubio said.

India and the US have signed a major critical minerals deal as both countries try to reduce dependence on China’s dominance over rare earth supply chains. The agreement could reshape everything from EV batteries and semiconductors to defence and clean energy manufacturing. Scroll down to read

India and US sign mega rare earth deal to break China’s critical minerals monopoly

India and China have reopened one of their most consequential bilateral channels after years of silence. But as New Delhi pushes for greater market access in Beijing, experts are sounding a clear note of caution: diplomatic goodwill, however welcome, is not a substitute for structural leverage. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao on the sidelines of the World Trade Organisation Ministerial in Yaounde, Cameroon, last week, the first commerce ministerial-level interaction between Asia's two largest economies in nearly seven years. The meeting, Goyal said, was about more than trade volumes.&nbsp;"I also met after a long time the Minister from China, with whom we have discussed ways to expand trade, move towards more balanced trade, and generate ‘trust’ to help smooth bilateral trade between China and India, and give greater opportunity for our exporters to export pharmaceuticals, to export engineering products, to export fish and pharma products. All in all, a good start, I would say, to generating greater opportunities for our exporters in China," the Minister said.<h2>The Numbers Behind the Push</h2>The urgency behind Minister Piyus Goyal's pitch is written in the trade data. India's merchandise exports to China for the financial year 2025-26, up to February 2026, stood at $17.5 billion. Its imports from Beijing over the same period were $119.56 billion, a gap that is not just large, but widening at a pace that diplomacy alone cannot match. Dr. Nisha Taneja, Senior Visiting Professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and former member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Trade and Investment, puts the problem in great arithmetic. Despite a 38 percent surge in Indian exports between April 2025 and January 2026, exports rose by only USD 4.4 billion in absolute terms, against a USD 13.1 billion increase in imports during the same period.&nbsp;"The widening trade deficit is driven by India's limited access to the Chinese market and its heavy reliance on Chinese imports, 85 percent of which are intermediate and capital goods essential for manufacturing," Dr. Nisha Taneja told WION. "Following Trump's tariff announcements, China has been aggressively diversifying exports, with India becoming a key target market."<h2>The Pharma Wall: A Regulatory Deadlock</h2>India's ambition to push pharmaceuticals into China runs into a barrier that has little to do with product quality or price competitiveness. The obstacle is procedural, and it has gone unaddressed for years. Chinese regulatory authorities require their officials to physically visit and certify manufacturing facilities in India before approving drug registrations. No facilitative mechanism for such visits currently exists between the two countries.&nbsp;"Countries such as the United States and members of the European Union have well-established systems for sending regulatory officials to India to certify pharmaceutical plants. The absence of a similar structured mechanism between India and China creates significant barriers for Indian exporters," Dr. Nisha Taneja said. The information gap compounds the regulatory one. Indian exporters frequently lack a clear understanding of Chinese market requirements, registration procedures, and how to identify reliable business partners on the ground, gaps that persist across sectors beyond pharmaceuticals, including machinery parts, turbojets, automobile components, and gems and jewellery.<h2>China's Carrot, And What It Really Means</h2>On the strategic side, it warns India against reading too much into Beijing's accommodating posture. Antara Ghosal Singh, China Fellow at the Strategic Studies Programme of the Observer Research Foundation and one of India's foremost China watchers, argues that China's economic structure is fundamentally misaligned with what New Delhi is asking for. "China maintains a trade surplus against most countries in the world, a total surplus of more than one trillion US dollars. China is not keen on buying anything from anyone, other than high-technology and raw materials," she told WION. "This is certainly not due to lack of competitiveness on the part of these countries, but because of China's own economic policies, which have for all these years favoured production over consumption."&nbsp;Ms Antara further highlighted that the data from within China's own economy tells a sobering story. Domestic car sales have stagnated for eleven years, failing to surpass the 2017 peak. Smartphone shipments have fallen from 470 million units in 2016 to 300 million units by 2025. China, she argues, remains structurally export-dependent, and has neither the appetite nor the policy architecture to suddenly become a significant consumer of Indian goods.&nbsp;Her sharper warning cuts to the heart of the negotiation. "China will surely not like Chinese companies investing and enabling India to become a manufacturing nation in competition with China, so it is only pertinent that they will dangle the carrot of market access before India, to extract more concessions from the Indian side for Chinese businesses," she said.<h2>What a Real Reset Would Require</h2>Both experts point to concrete steps that would need to accompany the diplomatic momentum if this reset is to translate into measurable trade outcomes. Dr. Nisha Taneja calls for a dedicated bilateral task force, a structured mechanism that would systematically identify market access barriers faced by exporters on both sides, coordinate between regulatory bodies, and provide businesses with clearer procedural guidance. Alongside this, she argues, stronger people-to-people connections through cultural exchanges, tourism, and civil society engagement are not peripheral to trade; they are foundational to building the very trust that Minister Piyus Goyal placed at the centre of India's pitch in Yaounde.&nbsp;Ms Antara Ghosal Singh takes the argument further, urging India to reframe the negotiation itself. "Rather than obsessing over India's economic dependence on China, we must also do deeper studies on the current challenges of the Chinese economy and their need for greater access to the Indian market, and only then can we hope to get a good bargain from the Chinese side," she said. India's reset with China is real, and the Yaounde meeting marks a genuine moment of diplomatic momentum. But as the experts make clear, a good start, as Minister Goyal himself described it, is still just a start.&nbsp;WION has reached out to the Indian Pharma Exports Council and the Engineering Exports Promotion Council of India to know what exactly they seek from China and the Indian government in terms of trade, capital, and policy. Till the time of the publication, the council's has not yet responded to our questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India bets on 'trust' to unlock China’s pharma and engineering markets, experts warn of 'carrots'

India and China have reopened one of their most consequential bilateral channels after years of silence. But as New Delhi pushes for greater market access in Beijing, experts are sounding a clear note of caution: diplomatic goodwill, however welcome, is not a substitute for structural leverage. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao on the sidelines of the World Trade Organisation Ministerial in Yaounde, Cameroon, last week, the first commerce ministerial-level interaction between Asia's two largest economies in nearly seven years. The meeting, Goyal said, was about more than trade volumes. "I also met after a long time the Minister from China, with whom we have discussed ways to expand trade, move towards more balanced trade, and generate ‘trust’ to help smooth bilateral trade between China and India, and give greater opportunity for our exporters to export pharmaceuticals, to export engineering products, to export fish and pharma products. All in all, a good start, I would say, to generating greater opportunities for our exporters in China," the Minister said. The Numbers Behind the Push The urgency behind Minister Piyus Goyal's pitch is written in the trade data. India's merchandise exports to China for the financial year 2025-26, up to February 2026, stood at $17.5 billion. Its imports from Beijing over the same period were $119.56 billion, a gap that is not just large, but widening at a pace that diplomacy alone cannot match. Dr. Nisha Taneja, Senior Visiting Professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and former member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Trade and Investment, puts the problem in great arithmetic. Despite a 38 percent surge in Indian exports between April 2025 and January 2026, exports rose by only USD 4.4 billion in absolute terms, against a USD 13.1 billion increase in imports during the same period. "The widening trade deficit is driven by India's limited access to the Chinese market and its heavy reliance on Chinese imports, 85 percent of which are intermediate and capital goods essential for manufacturing," Dr. Nisha Taneja told WION. "Following Trump's tariff announcements, China has been aggressively diversifying exports, with India becoming a key target market." The Pharma Wall: A Regulatory Deadlock India's ambition to push pharmaceuticals into China runs into a barrier that has little to do with product quality or price competitiveness. The obstacle is procedural, and it has gone unaddressed for years. Chinese regulatory authorities require their officials to physically visit and certify manufacturing facilities in India before approving drug registrations. No facilitative mechanism for such visits currently exists between the two countries. "Countries such as the United States and members of the European Union have well-established systems for sending regulatory officials to India to certify pharmaceutical plants. The absence of a similar structured mechanism between India and China creates significant barriers for Indian exporters," Dr. Nisha Taneja said. The information gap compounds the regulatory one. Indian exporters frequently lack a clear understanding of Chinese market requirements, registration procedures, and how to identify reliable business partners on the ground, gaps that persist across sectors beyond pharmaceuticals, including machinery parts, turbojets, automobile components, and gems and jewellery. China's Carrot, And What It Really Means On the strategic side, it warns India against reading too much into Beijing's accommodating posture. Antara Ghosal Singh, China Fellow at the Strategic Studies Programme of the Observer Research Foundation and one of India's foremost China watchers, argues that China's economic structure is fundamentally misaligned with what New Delhi is asking for. "China maintains a trade surplus against most countries in the world, a total surplus of more than one trillion US dollars. China is not keen on buying anything from anyone, other than high-technology and raw materials," she told WION. "This is certainly not due to lack of competitiveness on the part of these countries, but because of China's own economic policies, which have for all these years favoured production over consumption." Ms Antara further highlighted that the data from within China's own economy tells a sobering story. Domestic car sales have stagnated for eleven years, failing to surpass the 2017 peak. Smartphone shipments have fallen from 470 million units in 2016 to 300 million units by 2025. China, she argues, remains structurally export-dependent, and has neither the appetite nor the policy architecture to suddenly become a significant consumer of Indian goods. Her sharper warning cuts to the heart of the negotiation. "China will surely not like Chinese companies investing and enabling India to become a manufacturing nation in competition with China, so it is only pertinent that they will dangle the carrot of market access before India, to extract more concessions from the Indian side for Chinese businesses," she said. What a Real Reset Would Require Both experts point to concrete steps that would need to accompany the diplomatic momentum if this reset is to translate into measurable trade outcomes. Dr. Nisha Taneja calls for a dedicated bilateral task force, a structured mechanism that would systematically identify market access barriers faced by exporters on both sides, coordinate between regulatory bodies, and provide businesses with clearer procedural guidance. Alongside this, she argues, stronger people-to-people connections through cultural exchanges, tourism, and civil society engagement are not peripheral to trade; they are foundational to building the very trust that Minister Piyus Goyal placed at the centre of India's pitch in Yaounde. Ms Antara Ghosal Singh takes the argument further, urging India to reframe the negotiation itself. "Rather than obsessing over India's economic dependence on China, we must also do deeper studies on the current challenges of the Chinese economy and their need for greater access to the Indian market, and only then can we hope to get a good bargain from the Chinese side," she said. India's reset with China is real, and the Yaounde meeting marks a genuine moment of diplomatic momentum. But as the experts make clear, a good start, as Minister Goyal himself described it, is still just a start. WION has reached out to the Indian Pharma Exports Council and the Engineering Exports Promotion Council of India to know what exactly they seek from China and the Indian government in terms of trade, capital, and policy. Till the time of the publication, the council's has not yet responded to our questions.

Experts warn that China has little economic incentive to open its market and may use the promise of access to extract concessions from India. A dedicated bilateral task force and regulatory mechanism for pharma certification identified as critical first steps

India successfully made use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered prediction tools to foil an "unprecedented" Chinese attempt along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, revealed Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana, Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Tuesday (Feb 17).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-i-view-ai-as-pm-modi-s-big-message-as-he-addresses-ai-job-fears-1771337793188">'I view AI as...': PM Modi's BIG message as he addresses AI job fears</a><h2>India used AI to foil Chinese infiltration</h2>Speaking at the AI summit, the senior military official recalled that during his time as the commander of a corps responsible for security along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh, a low-cost AI system helped India detect early warning indicators about nefarious Chinese military build-up in a disputed sector."We could see through some AI systems that something was building up. Finally, we were able to predict the timing of their move," said Lt Gen Rana. He said that AI-enabled intelligence ensured that the Indian forces were positioned effectively and also helped in evacuation planning. This, he said, helped ensure "no casualties" on the Indian side.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/death-is-only-the-beginning-meta-patents-technology-that-ll-let-ai-run-your-social-media-from-beyond-the-grave-wion-explains-1771304178081">Death is only the beginning? Meta patents tech that'll let AI run your social media from beyond the grave | WION Explains</a><h2>AI is no longer a "futuristic effort"</h2>The senior military official noted that the AI race was already underway and no longer a "futuristic concept" and that the technology has now become central to power competition globally. The Lt. Gen said that AI was no longer limited to software systems but also extends to workforce development, infrastructure, military doctrine and command structures.Rana said that AI-powered systems can both conduct sophisticated offensive operations and strengthen defensive capabilities by plugging gaps and identifying vulnerabilities.Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana flags risks of superintelligenceWhile noting the uses of AI, Lt Gen Rana also highlighted the risks associated with the system's transition into artificial superintelligence (ASI). This, he warned, could create both opportunities and significant challenges. He warned that ASI or advanced AI systems could potentially be misused by rogue actors, similar to nuclear deterrence dynamics witnessed during the Cold War. Rana noted that non-proliferation of these systems would be more challenging than nuclear capabilities. He also called for India to develop a comprehensive AI security doctrine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India used a low-cost AI prediction system to detect signs of Chinese military movement along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh, helping forces prepare in advance and avoid casualties, Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana revealed at India AI Impact Summit 2026. Scroll down for details

India successfully made use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered prediction tools to foil an "unprecedented" Chinese attempt along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, revealed Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana, Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Tuesday (Feb 17). Also read | 'I view AI as...': PM Modi's BIG message as he addresses AI job fears India used AI to foil Chinese infiltration Speaking at the AI summit, the senior military official recalled that during his time as the commander of a corps responsible for security along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh, a low-cost AI system helped India detect early warning indicators about nefarious Chinese military build-up in a disputed sector. "We could see through some AI systems that something was building up. Finally, we were able to predict the timing of their move," said Lt Gen Rana. He said that AI-enabled intelligence ensured that the Indian forces were positioned effectively and also helped in evacuation planning. This, he said, helped ensure "no casualties" on the Indian side. Also read | Death is only the beginning? Meta patents tech that'll let AI run your social media from beyond the grave | WION Explains AI is no longer a "futuristic effort" The senior military official noted that the AI race was already underway and no longer a "futuristic concept" and that the technology has now become central to power competition globally. The Lt. Gen said that AI was no longer limited to software systems but also extends to workforce development, infrastructure, military doctrine and command structures. Rana said that AI-powered systems can both conduct sophisticated offensive operations and strengthen defensive capabilities by plugging gaps and identifying vulnerabilities. Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana flags risks of superintelligence While noting the uses of AI, Lt Gen Rana also highlighted the risks associated with the system's transition into artificial superintelligence (ASI). This, he warned, could create both opportunities and significant challenges. He warned that ASI or advanced AI systems could potentially be misused by rogue actors, similar to nuclear deterrence dynamics witnessed during the Cold War. Rana noted that non-proliferation of these systems would be more challenging than nuclear capabilities. He also called for India to develop a comprehensive AI security doctrine.

India used a low-cost AI prediction system to detect signs of Chinese military movement along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh, helping forces prepare in advance and avoid casualties, Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana revealed at India AI Impact Summit 2026. Scroll down for details

India AI Impact Summit 2026: AI helped India predict 'unprecedented' Chinese action in Arunachal, reveals Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has described bilateral relations as entering "a new level of improvement", citing strengthened economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges following a key leadership meeting last year. Speaking at a Chinese New Year reception in New Delhi on Tuesday to mark the Year of the Horse, Ambassador Xu pointed to last August's meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tianjin as a pivotal moment.He said the meeting had shifted relations from "a reset and fresh start" to sustained progress. "Exchanges at all levels have become more frequent. Economic and trade cooperation has reached new heights. People-to-people exchanges have become more active," the ambassador stated.A major highlight was the record bilateral trade figure for 2025. According to Mr Xu, trade between China and India reached $155.6 billion (£122 billion), a year-on-year increase of more than 12%. India's exports to China grew by 9.7%, which he described as evidence of the "vast potential" for further economic collaboration between the two Asian giants.The remarks come against a backdrop of gradual thawing in ties that had been strained for years by border disputes, most notably the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. Recent diplomatic efforts, including disengagement agreements and high-level engagements, appear to have paved the way for renewed focus on mutual benefits.Mr Xu also noted practical steps to boost connectivity and cultural links. China has resumed the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage for Indian devotees, a move welcomed in India for its religious significance. India has restarted issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens, and direct flights between the mainland and India have been restored, facilitating easier travel and interaction.Drawing on shared cultural heritage, the ambassador emphasised common philosophical outlooks. He highlighted parallels between China's emphasis on self-reliance and India's Atmanirbhar Bharat ("Self-Reliant India") strategy. Globally, he said China's vision of "a world of great harmony" echoed India's concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ("the world as one family")."The Chinese nation has always valued good-neighbourliness and harmony among nations," Mr Xu added. He expressed Beijing's readiness to work with New Delhi to align development strategies, expand "win-win" cooperation, and deepen people-to-people ties to build "bridges of friendship".He voiced support for India's current role as BRICS rotating chair and called for enhanced multilateral coordination to advance the interests of the Global South.

Recent diplomatic efforts, including disengagement agreements and high-level engagements, appear to have paved the way for renewed focus on mutual benefits.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has described bilateral relations as entering "a new level of improvement", citing strengthened economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges following a key leadership meeting last year. Speaking at a Chinese New Year reception in New Delhi on Tuesday to mark the Year of the Horse, Ambassador Xu pointed to last August's meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tianjin as a pivotal moment. He said the meeting had shifted relations from "a reset and fresh start" to sustained progress. "Exchanges at all levels have become more frequent. Economic and trade cooperation has reached new heights. People-to-people exchanges have become more active," the ambassador stated. A major highlight was the record bilateral trade figure for 2025. According to Mr Xu, trade between China and India reached $155.6 billion (£122 billion), a year-on-year increase of more than 12%. India's exports to China grew by 9.7%, which he described as evidence of the "vast potential" for further economic collaboration between the two Asian giants. The remarks come against a backdrop of gradual thawing in ties that had been strained for years by border disputes, most notably the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. Recent diplomatic efforts, including disengagement agreements and high-level engagements, appear to have paved the way for renewed focus on mutual benefits. Mr Xu also noted practical steps to boost connectivity and cultural links. China has resumed the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage for Indian devotees, a move welcomed in India for its religious significance. India has restarted issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens, and direct flights between the mainland and India have been restored, facilitating easier travel and interaction. Drawing on shared cultural heritage, the ambassador emphasised common philosophical outlooks. He highlighted parallels between China's emphasis on self-reliance and India's Atmanirbhar Bharat ("Self-Reliant India") strategy. Globally, he said China's vision of "a world of great harmony" echoed India's concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ("the world as one family"). "The Chinese nation has always valued good-neighbourliness and harmony among nations," Mr Xu added. He expressed Beijing's readiness to work with New Delhi to align development strategies, expand "win-win" cooperation, and deepen people-to-people ties to build "bridges of friendship". He voiced support for India's current role as BRICS rotating chair and called for enhanced multilateral coordination to advance the interests of the Global South.

Recent diplomatic efforts, including disengagement agreements and high-level engagements, appear to have paved the way for renewed focus on mutual benefits.

Chinese ambassador to India Xu says India, China ties have entered a 'new level of improvement'

China on Monday (Jan 12) once again sought to lay claim to the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, which India insists remains an 'integral and inalienable' part of its territory. Rejecting India's claim over the Shaksgam Valley, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing considers the area to be part of its territory. This comes as India on Friday (Jan 9) slammed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, noting that it passes through Indian territory that is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-in-the-crosshairs-as-trump-announces-25-tariff-on-iran-trade-partners-protest-death-toll-rises-to-648-1768273204068">India in the crosshairs as Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran trade partners</a><h2>What did China claim?</h2>Responding to a question on border issues, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the Shaksgam Valley "belongs to China". She argued that China was well within its rights to carry out infrastructure construction there. Ning cited a boundary agreement signed between China and Pakistan in the 1960s, claiming that the borders between the two countries had already been demarcated. According to Mao, that agreement represented a legitimate settlement reached by two sovereign states.China's state-run Global Times quoted Mao as saying that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, is an economic cooperation project aimed at boosting development and improving livelihoods in the region. She stressed that both the boundary agreement and CPEC do not alter China's long-standing position on the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;India, however, has firmly rejected that narrative.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ice-made-us-less-safe-minnesota-slams-trump-s-federal-invasion-sues-after-immigration-officer-kills-renee-good-1768271149205">Minnesota slams Trump's 'federal invasion,' sues after ICE kills Renee Good</a><h2>Who does the Shaksgam Valley belong to?</h2>"Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory", said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on January 9. New Delhi condemned China’s infrastructure activities in the Shaksgam Valley, calling them "illegal and invalid" and reiterating that the region is an integral part of India.Jaiswal noted that India "has never recognised the so-called China-Pakistan 'boundary agreement' signed in 1963," and said that "We have consistently maintained that the agreement is illegal and invalid".We do not recognise the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor either, which passes through Indian territory, which is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan," added the Indian MEA. Protesting China's attempts to change facts on the ground in the Shaksgam Valley, he underlined that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are "integral and inalienable" parts of India, adding that New Delhi has conveyed this "to Pakistani and Chinese authorities several times".The Shaksgam Valley lies north of the Siachen Glacier, bordering China's Xinjiang region to the north and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir to the south and west.&nbsp; &nbsp;

China has once again tried to illegally lay claim to India's Shaksgam Valley, citing a 1960s deal with Pakistan. India has consistently refuted the validity of the claims and insists that the Kashmir valley is an integral and inalienable part of its territory.

China on Monday (Jan 12) once again sought to lay claim to the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, which India insists remains an 'integral and inalienable' part of its territory. Rejecting India's claim over the Shaksgam Valley, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing considers the area to be part of its territory. This comes as India on Friday (Jan 9) slammed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, noting that it passes through Indian territory that is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan. Also read | India in the crosshairs as Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran trade partners What did China claim? Responding to a question on border issues, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the Shaksgam Valley "belongs to China". She argued that China was well within its rights to carry out infrastructure construction there. Ning cited a boundary agreement signed between China and Pakistan in the 1960s, claiming that the borders between the two countries had already been demarcated. According to Mao, that agreement represented a legitimate settlement reached by two sovereign states. China's state-run Global Times quoted Mao as saying that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, is an economic cooperation project aimed at boosting development and improving livelihoods in the region. She stressed that both the boundary agreement and CPEC do not alter China's long-standing position on the Kashmir issue. India, however, has firmly rejected that narrative. Also read | Minnesota slams Trump's 'federal invasion,' sues after ICE kills Renee Good Who does the Shaksgam Valley belong to? "Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory", said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on January 9. New Delhi condemned China’s infrastructure activities in the Shaksgam Valley, calling them "illegal and invalid" and reiterating that the region is an integral part of India. Jaiswal noted that India "has never recognised the so-called China-Pakistan 'boundary agreement' signed in 1963," and said that "We have consistently maintained that the agreement is illegal and invalid". We do not recognise the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor either, which passes through Indian territory, which is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan," added the Indian MEA. Protesting China's attempts to change facts on the ground in the Shaksgam Valley, he underlined that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are "integral and inalienable" parts of India, adding that New Delhi has conveyed this "to Pakistani and Chinese authorities several times". The Shaksgam Valley lies north of the Siachen Glacier, bordering China's Xinjiang region to the north and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir to the south and west.

China has once again tried to illegally lay claim to India's Shaksgam Valley, citing a 1960s deal with Pakistan. India has consistently refuted the validity of the claims and insists that the Kashmir valley is an integral and inalienable part of its territory.

China pushes illegal claim on India's Shaksgam Valley, hides behind Pakistan deal from 1960s

China hosted a trilateral meeting with Pakistan and Taliban leaders in Kabul, aiming to ease tensions and expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. As Islamabad and Kabul seek diplomatic normalization, analysts question China’s ability to navigate historic mistrust and security risks in the region.

Counter terrorism': China's message to Taliban | Wang Yi expresses concern

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has firmly rejected Nepal’s objections to the resumption of border trade with China via the Lipulekh Pass, calling Kathmandu’s territorial claims “untenable” and “not based on historical facts and evidence.” 

Despite dismissing Nepal’s claims, India reiterated its willingness to resolve the boundary issue through constructive dialogue and diplomacy.

India rejects Nepal's objection to Lipulekh trade | 'Not based on historical facts' 

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in New Delhi for the 24th round of border talks. Doval said ties are on an “upward trend,” while Wang Yi called for trust and stability. The talks come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to China since 2018, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The reset comes against the backdrop of U.S. tariffs and shifting regional equations.


India-China Ties: PM Modi Hails Steady Progress in India-China Ties | WION

China has informed India that it has lifted export restrictions on fertilisers, rare earth magnets and minerals, and tunnel boring machines, according to sources. The major breakthrough came after Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised the three key demands in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi last month. The Chinese foreign minister is currently visiting India on a three-day diplomatic trip. On Monday, Yi, reportedly assured Jaishankar that Beijing had already begun acting on India's demands. China has also started the shipment of said critical items, suggest reports.&nbsp;<h2>Why is this important? What was the Impact of Chinese curbs on Indian markets?</h2>India had earlier raised concerns over China suddenly imposing restrictions on the three critical items. Reports suggest that the sudden imposition of an export ban affected the Rabi season, as it hit the supply of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP). Meanwhile, shipment delays of tunnel boring machines affected crucial infrastructure projects, including those by foreign companies with manufacturing plants in China.The curb on Rare earth mineral exports impacted the auto and electronics sectors, which faced severe shortages and warned of disruptions in production.Also read |&nbsp;<h2>Why did China impose the export curbs?</h2>According to reports, China imposed the restrictions while citing security concerns and strained bilateral relations with India.&nbsp;However, Yi, in a statement published on Tuesday (Aug 19), lauded the progress in relations between India and China, noting that they were on a "positive trend".On Monday, during talks with Jaishankar, Wang Yi said that the two countries should "view each other as partners and opportunities, rather than adversaries or threats". Pointing to the resumption of "dialogue at all levels" and "maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas" as evidence, the Chinese foreign minister said that the bilateral ties were on a "positive trend of returning to the main path of cooperation".Watch | Wang Yi In India: Differences Shouldn’t Turn Into Disputes, S. Jaishankar to Wang <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wang-yi-in-india-differences-shouldn-t-turn-into-disputes-s-jaishankar-to-wang-1755583135520/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/wang-yi-in-india-differences-shouldn-t-turn-into-disputes-s-jaishankar-to-wang-1755583135520/embed</a>&nbsp;

China has told India it has lifted export curbs on fertilizers, rare earth magnets, minerals, and tunnel boring machines, sources said. The move follows EAM S Jaishankar’s talks with Wang Yi last month.

China has informed India that it has lifted export restrictions on fertilisers, rare earth magnets and minerals, and tunnel boring machines, according to sources. The major breakthrough came after Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised the three key demands in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi last month. The Chinese foreign minister is currently visiting India on a three-day diplomatic trip. On Monday, Yi, reportedly assured Jaishankar that Beijing had already begun acting on India's demands. China has also started the shipment of said critical items, suggest reports. Why is this important? What was the Impact of Chinese curbs on Indian markets? India had earlier raised concerns over China suddenly imposing restrictions on the three critical items. Reports suggest that the sudden imposition of an export ban affected the Rabi season, as it hit the supply of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP). Meanwhile, shipment delays of tunnel boring machines affected crucial infrastructure projects, including those by foreign companies with manufacturing plants in China. The curb on Rare earth mineral exports impacted the auto and electronics sectors, which faced severe shortages and warned of disruptions in production. Also read | Why did China impose the export curbs? According to reports, China imposed the restrictions while citing security concerns and strained bilateral relations with India. However, Yi, in a statement published on Tuesday (Aug 19), lauded the progress in relations between India and China, noting that they were on a "positive trend". On Monday, during talks with Jaishankar, Wang Yi said that the two countries should "view each other as partners and opportunities, rather than adversaries or threats". Pointing to the resumption of "dialogue at all levels" and "maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas" as evidence, the Chinese foreign minister said that the bilateral ties were on a "positive trend of returning to the main path of cooperation". Watch | Wang Yi In India: Differences Shouldn’t Turn Into Disputes, S. Jaishankar to Wang https://www.wionews.com/videos/wang-yi-in-india-differences-shouldn-t-turn-into-disputes-s-jaishankar-to-wang-1755583135520/embed

China has told India it has lifted export curbs on fertilisers, rare earth magnets, minerals, and tunnel boring machines, sources said. The move follows EAM S Jaishankar’s talks with Wang Yi last month.

China lifts export ban on fertilisers, rare earths, tunnel machines as Wang Yi visits India: Report

China's top diplomat will visit India next week for talks about their shared boundary, Beijing's foreign ministry said on Saturday, as the two countries eye resuming border trade five years after halting it."From August 18 to 20... (Chinese foreign minister) Wang Yi will, upon invitation, visit India and hold the 24th special representatives meeting on the China-India border issue," a spokesperson said in a statement.Past trade between the neighbours across icy and high-altitude Himalayan border passes was usually small in volume, but any resumption is significant for its symbolism.It stopped following a deadly 2020 clash between border troops.Indian media had reported earlier in the week that China's Wang was expected for talks in New Delhi on Monday.His Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Beijing in July.The two major economic powers have long competed for strategic influence across South Asia.However, caught in global trade and geopolitical turbulence triggered by US President Donald Trump's tariff regime, they have moved to mend ties.In recent weeks, Chinese and Indian officials have said the two countries were discussing resuming border trade.Agreements to resume direct flights and issue tourist visas also have been seen as part of an effort to rebuild their relationship.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from August 18–20 for the 24th round of talks on the long-standing boundary issue, Beijing confirmed Saturday.

China's top diplomat will visit India next week for talks about their shared boundary, Beijing's foreign ministry said on Saturday, as the two countries eye resuming border trade five years after halting it. "From August 18 to 20... (Chinese foreign minister) Wang Yi will, upon invitation, visit India and hold the 24th special representatives meeting on the China-India border issue," a spokesperson said in a statement. Past trade between the neighbours across icy and high-altitude Himalayan border passes was usually small in volume, but any resumption is significant for its symbolism. It stopped following a deadly 2020 clash between border troops. Indian media had reported earlier in the week that China's Wang was expected for talks in New Delhi on Monday. His Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Beijing in July. The two major economic powers have long competed for strategic influence across South Asia. However, caught in global trade and geopolitical turbulence triggered by US President Donald Trump's tariff regime, they have moved to mend ties. In recent weeks, Chinese and Indian officials have said the two countries were discussing resuming border trade. Agreements to resume direct flights and issue tourist visas also have been seen as part of an effort to rebuild their relationship.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from August 18–20 for the 24th round of talks on the long-standing boundary issue, Beijing confirmed Saturday.

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to visit India Aug 18–20 for key border negotiations

PM Modi will attend the SCO Summit in China from August 31 to September 1, marking a key diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit India next week, signaling ongoing regional dialogue.


PM Modi to attend SCO summit in China between August 31 - Sept 1 | Wang Yi to visit India next week

China on Friday (Aug 8) welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which is expected to take place later this month on August 31. The SCO currently has nine members- China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. As per the PTI, PM Narendra Modi is likely to attend the SCO Summit scheduled for August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin, and this will be his first trip to China in seven years (since 2018). Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, told reporters that China is happy to welcome PM Modi for the Tianjin Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;"China welcomes Prime Minister Modi to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit. We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated, according to ANI.&nbsp;According to Guo Jiakun, leaders from over 20 countries, including all SCO member nations and heads of 10 global organisations, are expected to attend the summit. He added that this would be the largest SCO Summit since its establishment.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-likely-to-join-sco-summit-in-china-as-india-china-ties-remain-tense-1752313497654">https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-likely-to-join-sco-summit-in-china-as-india-china-ties-remain-tense-1752313497654</a>&nbsp;PM Modi’s visit to China is part of a two-nation tour, which also includes Japan. He is expected to go to Japan around August 29 before heading to Tianjin for the SCO Summit. This visit aims to improve the ties between the two countries (India and China), which deteriorated after a clash between their armies in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. So far, there has been no official confirmation of the visit.&nbsp;PM Modi's last visit to China was in June 2018 for the SCO summit, and Chinese President Xi Jinping last visited India in October 2019 for an informal meeting.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reach Tianjin after a stop in Japan, where he will hold the annual India-Japan summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on August 30.

China on Friday (Aug 8) welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which is expected to take place later this month on August 31. The SCO currently has nine members- China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. As per the PTI, PM Narendra Modi is likely to attend the SCO Summit scheduled for August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin, and this will be his first trip to China in seven years (since 2018). Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, told reporters that China is happy to welcome PM Modi for the Tianjin Summit. "China welcomes Prime Minister Modi to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit. We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated, according to ANI. According to Guo Jiakun, leaders from over 20 countries, including all SCO member nations and heads of 10 global organisations, are expected to attend the summit. He added that this would be the largest SCO Summit since its establishment. Also Read - https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-likely-to-join-sco-summit-in-china-as-india-china-ties-remain-tense-1752313497654 PM Modi’s visit to China is part of a two-nation tour, which also includes Japan. He is expected to go to Japan around August 29 before heading to Tianjin for the SCO Summit. This visit aims to improve the ties between the two countries (India and China), which deteriorated after a clash between their armies in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. So far, there has been no official confirmation of the visit. PM Modi's last visit to China was in June 2018 for the SCO summit, and Chinese President Xi Jinping last visited India in October 2019 for an informal meeting.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reach Tianjin after a stop in Japan, where he will hold the annual India-Japan summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on August 30.

'Gathering of solidarity, friendship...': China welcomes PM Modi for SCO Summit visit

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that India and China should trust rather than suspect each other and cooperate rather than compete with each other, and added that Beijing is willing to work with India to handle conflicts and differences properly. Wang Yi made the statements in a conversation with India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in Beijing on Monday during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.&nbsp; Jaishankar also stressed at the meeting that “differences should not become disputes, nor should competition ever become conflict”.&nbsp;The Chinese minister expressed his country’s willingness to “safeguard the multilateral trading system” and thus ensure “stability of the global production and supply chain with India”.&nbsp;Wang Yi’s comments come in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies for his ‘America First’ approach.&nbsp;<h2>‘India and China should trust, not suspect, cooperate, not compete’</h2>&nbsp;“India and China should trust rather than suspect each other and cooperate rather than compete with each other,” news agency Reuters reported citing Wang Yi.&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that the essence of the India-China equation lay in mutual success and reportedly told Jaishankar that both countries should make long-term plans.&nbsp;“China and India should adhere to the direction of good-neighbourliness and friendship, and find a way for mutual respect and trust, peaceful coexistence, common development and win-win cooperation,” the Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.&nbsp;Earlier, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wang Yi and said the relationship requires a “far-seeing approach”.He said that ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Russia’s Kazan in October 2024, the ties between the countries have improved.Jaishankar said representatives of the two countries have met each other at international events, and he expects that such meetings can take place in India and China itself. Both the countries have completed 75 years of diplomacy with each other, he underlined.&nbsp;<h2>Jaishankar brings up border issue</h2>&nbsp;In his opening remarks at the meet, Jaishankar also raised the border issue, a point of contention between the two countries. He said ties between India and China have improved in the last nine months as a result of the “resolution of friction along the border”.“This is the fundamental basis for mutual strategic trust,” he added.Jaishankar said that “stable and constructive ties” between India and China will benefit the whole world, not just the two countries.

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wang Yi and said the relationship requires a “far-seeing approach”. He said that ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Russia’s Kazan in October 2024, the ties between the countries have improved.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that India and China should trust rather than suspect each other and cooperate rather than compete with each other, and added that Beijing is willing to work with India to handle conflicts and differences properly. Wang Yi made the statements in a conversation with India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in Beijing on Monday during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Jaishankar also stressed at the meeting that “differences should not become disputes, nor should competition ever become conflict”. The Chinese minister expressed his country’s willingness to “safeguard the multilateral trading system” and thus ensure “stability of the global production and supply chain with India”. Wang Yi’s comments come in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies for his ‘America First’ approach. ‘India and China should trust, not suspect, cooperate, not compete’ “India and China should trust rather than suspect each other and cooperate rather than compete with each other,” news agency Reuters reported citing Wang Yi. He added that the essence of the India-China equation lay in mutual success and reportedly told Jaishankar that both countries should make long-term plans. “China and India should adhere to the direction of good-neighbourliness and friendship, and find a way for mutual respect and trust, peaceful coexistence, common development and win-win cooperation,” the Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported. Earlier, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wang Yi and said the relationship requires a “far-seeing approach”. He said that ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Russia’s Kazan in October 2024, the ties between the countries have improved. Jaishankar said representatives of the two countries have met each other at international events, and he expects that such meetings can take place in India and China itself. Both the countries have completed 75 years of diplomacy with each other, he underlined. Jaishankar brings up border issue In his opening remarks at the meet, Jaishankar also raised the border issue, a point of contention between the two countries. He said ties between India and China have improved in the last nine months as a result of the “resolution of friction along the border”. “This is the fundamental basis for mutual strategic trust,” he added. Jaishankar said that “stable and constructive ties” between India and China will benefit the whole world, not just the two countries.

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wang Yi and said the relationship requires a “far-seeing approach”. He said that ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Russia’s Kazan in October 2024, the ties between the countries have improved.

‘Willing to work with India to resolve conflicts, differences’: China’s foreign minister Wang Yi

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in China and met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, marking the first visit in five years after the Galwan clash on June 15, 2020. The minister noted the improvement in the bilateral ties between the two countries, which includes the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and continued normalisation of our ties can produce mutually beneficial outcomes.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Beijing, China: &quot;Our bilateral relationship, as you have pointed, has been steadily improving since the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October. I am confident that my discussions in this visit will maintain that positive… <a href="https://t.co/ZZgEuuC9sM">pic.twitter.com/ZZgEuuC9sM</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1944601491945463963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

During the meeting, he said, "Our bilateral relationship, as you have pointed, has been steadily improving since the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October. I am confident that my discussions in this visit will maintain that positive trajectory."He added, "It is a pleasure to be with you during my visit for the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting. India supports a successful Chinese presidency at the SCO."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-record-of-what-happened-very-clear-jaishankar-again-denies-trump-s-claims-on-india-pak-ceasefire-1751530071286">‘Record of what happened very clear’: Jaishankar again denies Trump’s claims on India-Pak ceasefire</a>&nbsp;Later, sharing a photograph from his meeting, S Jaishankar wrote, "Pleased to meet Vice President Han Zheng soon after my arrival in Beijing today. Conveyed India’s support for China’s SCO Presidency."He also mentioned that there have been significant improvements in the relations. He continued, "Noted the improvement in our bilateral ties. And expressed confidence that discussions during my visit will maintain that positive trajectory."&nbsp;He added, "Let me say that it is a pleasure to be with you during my visit for the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting. India supports a successful Chinese presidency at the SCO. Excellency, our bilateral relationship, as you have pointed, has been steadily improving since the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-jaishankar-s-cautious-response-to-us-lawmaker-s-proposed-500-tariff-bill-here-s-what-he-said-1751542455960">India's Jaishankar's cautious response to US lawmaker's proposed '500% tariff' bill - Here's what he said</a>&nbsp;This meeting highlights an open exchange of views and perspectives between India and China, which is looked at as an important move between the two neighbouring nations and major economies.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in China and met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, marking the first visit in five years after the Galwan clash on June 15, 2020.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in China and met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, marking the first visit in five years after the Galwan clash on June 15, 2020. The minister noted the improvement in the bilateral ties between the two countries, which includes the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and continued normalisation of our ties can produce mutually beneficial outcomes.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in China and met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, marking the first visit in five years after the Galwan clash on June 15, 2020.

'Steadily improving,' says EAM S Jaishankar, highlighting India-China's relations in first visit after Galwan clash

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun will meet later today in Laos on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Plus meeting (ADMM +). This will be the second India-China ministerial meeting in the last two days and comes as ties turn around after the Kazan meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

At the ADMM Plus meeting, the Indian Defence Minister is also expected to meet his counterparts from other countries, including Malaysia and Laos. ADMM Plus is an annual meeting that includes ASEAN defence ministers and the defence ministers of eight countries: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-china-discuss-resumption-of-kailash-mansarovar-yatra-direct-flights-on-sidelines-of-g20-summit-777426">India, China discuss resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights on sidelines of G20 Summit</a>

The last meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart was in April 2023 in India. At that time, the then-Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu had travelled to Delhi for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO Defence Minister meeting. The meeting was significant, especially in the visual domain, since no handshake happened between the two ministers. While the border issue dominated the meeting, the fact that Minister Rajnath chose to do a namaste, instead of a handshake with his Chinese counterpart, showed that the ties remained frosty that time.&nbsp;

Before the 2023 meeting, Minister Rajnath Singh and the then Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe met on the sidelines of the SCO meet in Russia's Moscow in 2020, just months after the Galwan incident. The deadly clashes in Galwan, Eastern Ladakh in June of that year left 20 Indian and 4 Chinese soldiers dead.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/canadian-minister-meets-pro-khalistan-group-world-sikh-organisation-amid-diplomatic-standoff-with-india-777371">Canadian Minister meets pro-Khalistan group 'World Sikh Organisation' amid diplomatic standoff with India</a>

Back-to-back ministerial meetings are seen as a positive element in ties, just a month after the Kazan meeting in October at the leaders' level. The October meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit was the first bilateral meeting between Indian and Chinese leaders since the Galwan incident, which led to the downfall of the ties between the two Asian giants. Following the clashes, India had banned a number of Chinese apps and increased scrutiny on Chinese investments.&nbsp;

Indian External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met on Monday in Brazil on the sidelines of the G20 summit. During the meeting, it was decided that both countries will take the next steps in ties, which include the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, data sharing on trans-border rivers, direct flights between India and China and media exchanges.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun will meet later today in Laos on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Plus meeting (ADMM +).

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun will meet later today in Laos on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Plus meeting (ADMM +). This will be the second India-China ministerial meeting in the last two days and comes as ties turn around after the Kazan meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. At the ADMM Plus meeting, the Indian Defence Minister is also expected to meet his counterparts from other countries, including Malaysia and Laos. ADMM Plus is an annual meeting that includes ASEAN defence ministers and the defence ministers of eight countries: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. Also read | India, China discuss resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights on sidelines of G20 Summit The last meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart was in April 2023 in India. At that time, the then-Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu had travelled to Delhi for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO Defence Minister meeting. The meeting was significant, especially in the visual domain, since no handshake happened between the two ministers. While the border issue dominated the meeting, the fact that Minister Rajnath chose to do a namaste, instead of a handshake with his Chinese counterpart, showed that the ties remained frosty that time. Before the 2023 meeting, Minister Rajnath Singh and the then Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe met on the sidelines of the SCO meet in Russia's Moscow in 2020, just months after the Galwan incident. The deadly clashes in Galwan, Eastern Ladakh in June of that year left 20 Indian and 4 Chinese soldiers dead. Also read | Canadian Minister meets pro-Khalistan group 'World Sikh Organisation' amid diplomatic standoff with India Back-to-back ministerial meetings are seen as a positive element in ties, just a month after the Kazan meeting in October at the leaders' level. The October meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit was the first bilateral meeting between Indian and Chinese leaders since the Galwan incident, which led to the downfall of the ties between the two Asian giants. Following the clashes, India had banned a number of Chinese apps and increased scrutiny on Chinese investments. Indian External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met on Monday in Brazil on the sidelines of the G20 summit. During the meeting, it was decided that both countries will take the next steps in ties, which include the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, data sharing on trans-border rivers, direct flights between India and China and media exchanges.

Indian, Chinese defence ministers to meet today

India and China are set to complete their military disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh early this week. The process, as per reports, is set to be completed by Monday (Oct 28) and Tuesday (Oct 29).

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1770}">What will happen?</h2>

Following the military disengagement process, patrolling will resume, as troops withdraw and remove temporary structures in these regions, according to ANI.&nbsp;

The disengagement is part of an agreement aimed at reducing tensions that have been high since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:625,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1914}" data-ved="2ahUKEwjhn973sbCJAxWAS2cHHdXeJdUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-time-to-rebuild-trust-indias-jaishankar-lauds-military-for-lac-deal-with-china-770971" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-time-to-rebuild-trust-indias-jaishankar-lauds-military-for-lac-deal-with-china-770971&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjhn973sbCJAxWAS2cHHdXeJdUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">‘Will take time to rebuild trust,’ India’s Jaishankar lauds military for LAC deal with China</a>

The arrangement stipulates that troops from both India and China will go back to the positions they held before April 2020. However, the agreement applies solely to Demchok and Depsang and does not encompass other disputed areas.&nbsp;

"The latest agreements will only be valid for Demchok and Depsang and not other places. This agreement will not be applicable to other friction zones. Troops from both sides will fall back to positions they held pre-April 2020 and they will patrol areas where they patrolled till April 2020," reported ANI quoting an Indian Army source.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:417,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2102}">Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar explains the de-escalation process</h2>

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasised that disengagement is merely the first phase, with broader goals of de-escalation and trust-building. He noted that while equipment is being pulled back to rear bases, a full resolution will require time and ongoing efforts to restore stability and mutual trust.&nbsp;

Jaishankar explained that the agreement centres on three core aspects: immediate disengagement, subsequent de-escalation, and, eventually, the third "larger issue of how do you manage the border and how do you negotiate the boundary settlement."

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjmu5WPsrCJAxVSR2wGHTq4AyIQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/breaking-india-and-china-reach-agreement-on-patrolling-along-line-of-actual-control-769434" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/breaking-india-and-china-reach-agreement-on-patrolling-along-line-of-actual-control-769434&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmu5WPsrCJAxVSR2wGHTq4AyIQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">India and China reach agreement on patrolling along Line of Actual Control</a>

"The situation in the border has been very disturbed and that's had a very negative impact on the overall relationship," he added.

The disengagement process involves dismantling temporary structures and ensuring that both countries' patrol schedules are coordinated to avoid misunderstandings. Ground commanders will continue to meet regularly, maintaining effective communication.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India and China are set to complete their military disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh early this week. The process, as per reports, is set to be completed by Monday (Oct 28) and Tuesday (Oct 29).

India and China are set to complete their military disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh early this week. The process, as per reports, is set to be completed by Monday (Oct 28) and Tuesday (Oct 29). What will happen? Following the military disengagement process, patrolling will resume, as troops withdraw and remove temporary structures in these regions, according to ANI. The disengagement is part of an agreement aimed at reducing tensions that have been high since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Also read | ‘Will take time to rebuild trust,’ India’s Jaishankar lauds military for LAC deal with China The arrangement stipulates that troops from both India and China will go back to the positions they held before April 2020. However, the agreement applies solely to Demchok and Depsang and does not encompass other disputed areas. "The latest agreements will only be valid for Demchok and Depsang and not other places. This agreement will not be applicable to other friction zones. Troops from both sides will fall back to positions they held pre-April 2020 and they will patrol areas where they patrolled till April 2020," reported ANI quoting an Indian Army source. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar explains the de-escalation process Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasised that disengagement is merely the first phase, with broader goals of de-escalation and trust-building. He noted that while equipment is being pulled back to rear bases, a full resolution will require time and ongoing efforts to restore stability and mutual trust. Jaishankar explained that the agreement centres on three core aspects: immediate disengagement, subsequent de-escalation, and, eventually, the third "larger issue of how do you manage the border and how do you negotiate the boundary settlement." Also read | India and China reach agreement on patrolling along Line of Actual Control "The situation in the border has been very disturbed and that's had a very negative impact on the overall relationship," he added. The disengagement process involves dismantling temporary structures and ensuring that both countries' patrol schedules are coordinated to avoid misunderstandings. Ground commanders will continue to meet regularly, maintaining effective communication. (With inputs from agencies)

India and China to finalise military disengagement today: What exactly is happening on the ground?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia. This is the first meeting between the two leaders in five years. Watch this report for more details!

BRICS Summit 2024: India-China Turned The Page On Strained Ties

India and China on Monday (Oct 21) have reached an agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), said Indian Foreign Secretary&nbsp;Vikram&nbsp;Misri.

Misri said that negotiators from the two neighbouring nations had been in touch over the past few weeks to resolve the remaining issues.

"...As a result of the discussions that have taken place over the last several weeks, an agreement has been arrived at, on patrolling arrangements along the line of actual control in the India-China border area, and this is leading to dis-engagement and eventually a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020,"&nbsp;said the Indian Foreign Secretary.

Watch what he said here:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On agreement on patrolling at LAC, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "...As a result of the discussions that have taken place over the last several weeks an agreement has been arrived at on patroling arrangements along the line of actual control in the… <a href="https://t.co/J7L9LEi5zv">pic.twitter.com/J7L9LEi5zv</a>
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The agreement is related to patrolling in Depsang and Demchok areas of the Ladakh sector and involves disengagement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:231,&quot;w&quot;:599,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2118}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-to-visit-russia-from-oct-22-23-to-attend-brics-summit-in-kazan-768676">Indian PM Modi to visit Russia from October 22-23 to attend BRICS summit in Kazan</a>

The announcement of the breakthrough in talks comes one day before Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kazan, Russia, for the BRICS Summit.

Despite no official confirmation, it is anticipated that a bilateral meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place during the BRICS Summit.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:366,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2253}">Peace in border areas</h2>

In August, during the 31st meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation &amp; Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, India and China came to an agreement to maintain peace in the border regions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:460,&quot;w&quot;:362,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2347}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/colombia-discusses-brics-membership-with-india-768902">Colombia discusses BRICS membership with India</a>

Following that, in September, the two nations agreed to "act urgently and increase their efforts" in order to accomplish complete disengagement in Ladakh.

The relations between the two neighbouring countries — both armed with nuclear weapons — have been strained ever since a confrontation in 2020 on the unmarked border resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and unknown number of Chinese soldiers.

(With inputs from agencies)

India and China on Monday (Oct 21) have reached an agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), said Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Misri said that negotiators from the two neighbouring nations had been in touch over the past few weeks to resolve the remaining issues.

India and China on Monday (Oct 21) have reached an agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), said Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Misri said that negotiators from the two neighbouring nations had been in touch over the past few weeks to resolve the remaining issues. "...As a result of the discussions that have taken place over the last several weeks, an agreement has been arrived at, on patrolling arrangements along the line of actual control in the India-China border area, and this is leading to dis-engagement and eventually a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020," said the Indian Foreign Secretary. Watch what he said here: #WATCH | Delhi: On agreement on patrolling at LAC, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "...As a result of the discussions that have taken place over the last several weeks an agreement has been arrived at on patroling arrangements along the line of actual control in the… pic.twitter.com/J7L9LEi5zv — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2024 × The agreement is related to patrolling in Depsang and Demchok areas of the Ladakh sector and involves disengagement. Also read | Indian PM Modi to visit Russia from October 22-23 to attend BRICS summit in Kazan The announcement of the breakthrough in talks comes one day before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kazan, Russia, for the BRICS Summit. Despite no official confirmation, it is anticipated that a bilateral meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place during the BRICS Summit. Peace in border areas In August, during the 31st meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, India and China came to an agreement to maintain peace in the border regions. Also read | Colombia discusses BRICS membership with India Following that, in September, the two nations agreed to "act urgently and increase their efforts" in order to accomplish complete disengagement in Ladakh. The relations between the two neighbouring countries — both armed with nuclear weapons — have been strained ever since a confrontation in 2020 on the unmarked border resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and unknown number of Chinese soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

India and China reach agreement on patrolling along Line of Actual Control

The Indian Army has set up a new firing range, which is helping it to practice firing of howitzers and other important weapon systems, a top official from the Indian Army said.

The Indian Army has set up a new firing range, which is helping it to practice firing of howitzers and other important weapon systems, a top official from the Indian Army said. The Lieutenant General rank officer, who is the Director General of the Indian Army's Regiment of Artillery, said the force is also getting another range along the Northern borders with China. "A new firing range has been opened in Arunachal Pradesh in the Tawang sector where we can fire our howitzers and test their capabilities This is the first high-altitude range and we are trying to find more ranges in other states," the officer said in a briefing on the artillery modernisation plans of the force. The new firing ranges for the forces have come in Arunachal Pradesh at a time when the Chinese aggression led to a situation where the two countries have been in a military standoff since May-June 2020. Speaking on the modernisation plans, the officer said that the Indian Army's Regiment of Artillery are modernising at a pace like never before and as per defined timelines. "Our modernisation and capability development plan is aligned to the 'Atmanirbharta' drive and is based on the principle of 'Modernisation through Indigenisation," the officer said. He said that 155 mm will be the standard calibre of all gun systems. He said that a number of 155 mm calibre guns/howitzers have been inducted in the Regiment of Artillery to include Ultra-Light Howitzer (ULH), K-9 Vajra, Dhanush & Sharang. ULH have been inducted along Northern borders. "They are lighter in weight and can be carried underslung by helicopters. K-9 Vajra Gun System is ideal for mechanised operations. Dhanush Guns are an electronic upgrade of Bofors Guns, while the Sharang Gun Systems have been upgraded from 130 mm to 155 mm calibre. More numbers of K-9 Vajra, Dhanush and Sharang gun systems are being inducted in near future.He said the Indian Army is also in the process of inducting other 155 mm gun systems to include the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Mounted Gun System (MGS) and Towed Gun System (TGS)," he said. He said the Indian Army is soon hoping to conclude the ATAGS contract, which would be built by two development cum production partners of the DRDO. The Lt Gen said that the trials for both the mounted gun systems and towed gun systems are likely to commence in 2025. MGS has crew and ammunition on board the vehicle and has shoot and scoot capability, Whereas TGS is a lighter and more versatile gun system. (ANI) Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Amid military standoff with China, Indian Army sets up first high-altitude firing range in Arunachal Pradesh

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (Jul 29) ruled out any role for a third party in India's border dispute with China, saying the two neighbours have an issue and it is for them to find a way out.

"We are not looking to other countries to sort out what is an issue between India and China," Jaishankar said while responding to a series of questions at a press conference in Tokyo.

Jaishankar, who is in Tokyo to attend a Quad foreign ministerial meeting, also said that India's relationship with China is not good and it's not doing well.

"We have a problem, or, I would say, an issue between India and China...I think it is for two of us to talk it over and to find a way," he said.

"Other countries in the world would have an interest in the matter because we are two big countries and the state of our relationship has an impact on the rest of the world. But we are not looking to other countries to sort out what is really an issue between us," he said, recalling his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi twice this month.

Jaishankar and Wang met last week in the Laotian capital where they participated in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-seeks-resolution-on-border-impasse-with-china-744452">Watch |&nbsp;India seeks resolution on border impasse with China</a>

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During their meeting, they agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process following the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in May 2020.

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

Jaishankar's remarks came amid the dragging border row in eastern Ladakh that entered its fifth year in May.

On July 4, Jaishankar and Wang met in the Kazakh capital city of Astana on the sidelines of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a standoff since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points.

The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

The two sides have so far held 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the standoff.&nbsp;

India has been pressing the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to disengage from the Depsang and Demchok areas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-and-china-to-discuss-withdrawal-of-thousands-of-troops-stationed-along-lac-744377">Also read |&nbsp;India and China to discuss withdrawal of thousands of troops stationed along LAC</a>

The two sides held the last round of high-level military talks in February.

Though there was no indication of a breakthrough at the 21st round of talks, both sides agreed to maintain "peace and tranquillity" on the ground and continue the communication on the way ahead.&nbsp;

<h2>On Russia-Ukraine&nbsp;</h2>

Jaishankar also touched on the Russia-Ukraine issue, adding that New Delhi will be in more contact with both countries to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war.

The EAM was fielding questions over PM Modi's reported trip to Ukraine next month, reported exclusively by WION.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (Jul 29) ruled out any role for a third party in India's border dispute with China, saying the two neighbours have an issue and it is for them to find a way out.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (Jul 29) ruled out any role for a third party in India's border dispute with China, saying the two neighbours have an issue and it is for them to find a way out. "We are not looking to other countries to sort out what is an issue between India and China," Jaishankar said while responding to a series of questions at a press conference in Tokyo. Jaishankar, who is in Tokyo to attend a Quad foreign ministerial meeting, also said that India's relationship with China is not good and it's not doing well. "We have a problem, or, I would say, an issue between India and China...I think it is for two of us to talk it over and to find a way," he said. "Other countries in the world would have an interest in the matter because we are two big countries and the state of our relationship has an impact on the rest of the world. But we are not looking to other countries to sort out what is really an issue between us," he said, recalling his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi twice this month. Jaishankar and Wang met last week in the Laotian capital where they participated in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Watch | India seeks resolution on border impasse with China × During their meeting, they agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process following the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in May 2020. India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas. Jaishankar's remarks came amid the dragging border row in eastern Ladakh that entered its fifth year in May. On July 4, Jaishankar and Wang met in the Kazakh capital city of Astana on the sidelines of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a standoff since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points. The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades. The two sides have so far held 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the standoff. India has been pressing the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to disengage from the Depsang and Demchok areas. Also read | India and China to discuss withdrawal of thousands of troops stationed along LAC The two sides held the last round of high-level military talks in February. Though there was no indication of a breakthrough at the 21st round of talks, both sides agreed to maintain "peace and tranquillity" on the ground and continue the communication on the way ahead. On Russia-Ukraine Jaishankar also touched on the Russia-Ukraine issue, adding that New Delhi will be in more contact with both countries to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war. The EAM was fielding questions over PM Modi's reported trip to Ukraine next month, reported exclusively by WION. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

‘We have a problem, but there’s no role for third party’: India’s EAM Jaishankar on border dispute with China

Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (May 2) reiterated the nation's stance on reported Chinese infrastructure activities in the Shaksgam Valley, in a part of illegally occupied Kashmir close to the Siachen Glacier.&nbsp;

During a press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India considers Shaksgam Valley to be "our territory" and the nation has "never accepted the so-called China-Pakistan boundary agreement of 1963 through which Pakistan unlawfully attempted to cede the area to China".&nbsp;

"I have consistently conveyed our rejection of the same. We have registered our protest with the Chinese side against illegal attempts to alter the facts on the ground. We further reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests," Jaiswal said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-pm-modi-targets-congress-party-after-pakistan-leaders-rahul-on-fire-comment-717400">WATCH: PM Modi targets Congress party after Pakistan leader's 'Rahul on fire' comment</a>&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On Chinese activities near Siachen, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We consider Shaksgam Valley to be our territory. We have never accepted the so-called China-Pakistan boundary agreement of 1963 through which Pakistan unlawfully attempted to cede the area to… <a href="https://t.co/z8atFy5m2T">pic.twitter.com/z8atFy5m2T</a>
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Recently, the media reported, referring to satellite pictures, about the construction of&nbsp;road in the Shaksgam Valley. The images were captured by the European Space Agency.&nbsp;

The infra development by China could have security implications for India as it is a strategically key region that is part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biden-claims-xenophobia-stalling-economic-growth-in-india-china-japan-717243">Biden claims 'xenophobia' stalling economic growth in India, China, Japan</a>

The images indicated that the road was breaching the Indian border at Aghil Pass and entered the lower Shaksgam valley of Kashmir - a place which is less than 30 miles away from Siachen.&nbsp;

The construction work reportedly resumed this month, which advanced towards areas north of Siachen Glacier. The Chinese road was also seen approaching Aghil Pass.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (May 2) reiterated the nation's stance on reported Chinese infrastructure activities in the Shaksgam Valley, in a part of illegally occupied Kashmir close to the Siachen Glacier.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (May 2) reiterated the nation's stance on reported Chinese infrastructure activities in the Shaksgam Valley, in a part of illegally occupied Kashmir close to the Siachen Glacier. During a press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India considers Shaksgam Valley to be "our territory" and the nation has "never accepted the so-called China-Pakistan boundary agreement of 1963 through which Pakistan unlawfully attempted to cede the area to China". "I have consistently conveyed our rejection of the same. We have registered our protest with the Chinese side against illegal attempts to alter the facts on the ground. We further reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests," Jaiswal said. Also read: WATCH: PM Modi targets Congress party after Pakistan leader's 'Rahul on fire' comment Watch the video here: #WATCH | On Chinese activities near Siachen, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We consider Shaksgam Valley to be our territory. We have never accepted the so-called China-Pakistan boundary agreement of 1963 through which Pakistan unlawfully attempted to cede the area to… pic.twitter.com/z8atFy5m2T — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2024 × Recently, the media reported, referring to satellite pictures, about the construction of road in the Shaksgam Valley. The images were captured by the European Space Agency. The infra development by China could have security implications for India as it is a strategically key region that is part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also read: Biden claims 'xenophobia' stalling economic growth in India, China, Japan The images indicated that the road was breaching the Indian border at Aghil Pass and entered the lower Shaksgam valley of Kashmir - a place which is less than 30 miles away from Siachen. The construction work reportedly resumed this month, which advanced towards areas north of Siachen Glacier. The Chinese road was also seen approaching Aghil Pass. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Shaksgam Valley 'our territory', MEA registers protest with China over 'altering facts'

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reacted strongly to China's actions of ‘renaming’ various locations in Arunachal Pradesh. Singh questioned whether similar attempts by India would mean that those areas in China are now considered as "parts of our territory."

Speaking at an election rally in Arunachal's Namsai on Tuesday (April 9), Rajnath Singh said "nothing is going to happen by changing the names. I want to ask China if we change the names of various states of the neighbouring country, will those be parts of our territory? Because of such activities, the relationship between India and China will deteriorate."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baseless-india-rubbishes-chinas-absurd-claims-on-arunachal-pradesh-705539" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baseless-india-rubbishes-chinas-absurd-claims-on-arunachal-pradesh-705539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8gM6Dt7WFAxWha2wGHVGnDwoQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2TE_7RNlCSj61dJw1tPMpL&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baseless-india-rubbishes-chinas-absurd-claims-on-arunachal-pradesh-705539" target="_blank">India rubbishes China's 'absurd' claims on&nbsp;Arunachal&nbsp;Pradesh</a>

The Union minister said China’s move to change the names of 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh will not change the ground reality that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

"We want to maintain good relations with all our neighbours. But if anybody tries to harm our self-respect, India has the capability to give a befitting reply," the Defence Minister further said.

Rajnath targeted the&nbsp;Congress party for never showing&nbsp;any interest in developing border regions and that led to India losing about 1000 square kilometres of territory to China.

“I assure you that India will now never allow even an inch of land to be captured by its neighbour. We have rectified the mistakes of the Congress since 2014 when our party came to power and initiated infrastructure projects in border areas so that our borders are secured. For the NDA government, border villages are strategic assets of the country.”

Last Monday, China announced the renaming of 30 locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh. The Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs issued the fourth list of ‘standardised’ geographical names in the northeastern state, referred to as Zangnan by Beijing. This list included 11 residential areas, 12 mountains, four rivers, one lake, one mountain pass, and a parcel of land, all of which were subject to renaming by China.

India's External Affairs Ministryhad denounced the renaming and its spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said, “China has persisted with its senseless attempts to rename places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. We firmly reject such attempts.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-china-map-show-whole-of-arunachal-pradesh-as-part-of-china-630258" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-china-map-show-whole-of-arunachal-pradesh-as-part-of-china-630258&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8gM6Dt7WFAxWha2wGHVGnDwoQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0S_C2xseiIaBiguRQzWX0b&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-china-map-show-whole-of-arunachal-pradesh-as-part-of-china-630258" target="_blank">New China map show whole of&nbsp;Arunachal&nbsp;Pradesh as part of China</a>

Rajnath Singh further highlighted the significant contributions made by the residents of border villages during the 1962 conflict with China. He emphasised that their support for the country will always be remembered, and the nation will remain forever grateful to them.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reacted strongly to China's actions of ‘renaming’ various locations in Arunachal Pradesh. Singh questioned whether similar attempts by India would mean that those areas in China are now considered as "parts of our territory.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reacted strongly to China's actions of ‘renaming’ various locations in Arunachal Pradesh. Singh questioned whether similar attempts by India would mean that those areas in China are now considered as "parts of our territory." Speaking at an election rally in Arunachal's Namsai on Tuesday (April 9), Rajnath Singh said "nothing is going to happen by changing the names. I want to ask China if we change the names of various states of the neighbouring country, will those be parts of our territory? Because of such activities, the relationship between India and China will deteriorate." Also read: India rubbishes China's 'absurd' claims on Arunachal Pradesh The Union minister said China’s move to change the names of 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh will not change the ground reality that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. "We want to maintain good relations with all our neighbours. But if anybody tries to harm our self-respect, India has the capability to give a befitting reply," the Defence Minister further said. Rajnath targeted the Congress party for never showing any interest in developing border regions and that led to India losing about 1000 square kilometres of territory to China. “I assure you that India will now never allow even an inch of land to be captured by its neighbour. We have rectified the mistakes of the Congress since 2014 when our party came to power and initiated infrastructure projects in border areas so that our borders are secured. For the NDA government, border villages are strategic assets of the country.” Last Monday, China announced the renaming of 30 locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh. The Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs issued the fourth list of ‘standardised’ geographical names in the northeastern state, referred to as Zangnan by Beijing. This list included 11 residential areas, 12 mountains, four rivers, one lake, one mountain pass, and a parcel of land, all of which were subject to renaming by China. India's External Affairs Ministryhad denounced the renaming and its spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said, “China has persisted with its senseless attempts to rename places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. We firmly reject such attempts.” Also read: New China map show whole of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China Rajnath Singh further highlighted the significant contributions made by the residents of border villages during the 1962 conflict with China. He emphasised that their support for the country will always be remembered, and the nation will remain forever grateful to them. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajnath Singh slams Beijing on renaming row, says ‘What if we change names of Chinese provinces’

The 20th round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China held Monday-Tuesday (Oct 9-10) failed to curtail tensions along the Indo-Tibet border in Eastern Ladakh.

This means that both Indian and Chinese soldiers will continue to remain deployed in forward areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for the fourth straight winter.

<h2>Statement from Indian MEA</h2>

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Wednesday (Oct 11), which read, “The 20th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 9-10 October 2023.”

“The two sides exchanged views in a frank, open and constructive manner for an early and mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector, in accordance with the guidance provided by the national leadership of the two countries, and building on the progress made in the last round of Corps Commanders’ Meeting held on 13-14 August 2023,” the statement by MEA added.

It added that both sides agreed to maintain the “momentum of dialogue and negotiations through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms”.

“They also committed to maintain peace and tranquillity on the ground in the border areas in the interim,” the short statement added.

<h2>Peace efforts continue</h2>

This was the second time when military commanders from the two nations held talks for two consecutive days. These talks form one of two approaches employed by India and China to address the prolonged military standoff.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Maldives elects Pro-China President, are India-Maldives ties in danger?

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The other avenue, the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), engages diplomats and officials.

The standoff and a deadly clash in Galwan Valley in June 2020, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number of Chinese troops, have strained bilateral relations to their lowest point in six decades.&nbsp;

<h2>Results so far</h2>

After multiple rounds of military and diplomatic negotiations, both sides withdrew their frontline forces from Pangong Lake, Gogra, and Hot Springs. However, they remain deadlocked on key "friction points" at Depsang and Demchok.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-needs-8-pc-economic-growth-to-rival-chinas-global-dominance-barclays-645287">Also read:&nbsp;India needs 8 pc economic growth to rival China`s global dominance: Barclays</a>

The establishment of buffer zones has also restricted Indian troops' access to areas they previously patrolled.

Indian leadership has emphasised that the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border regions is essential for normalising bilateral ties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier characterised the current situation as "abnormal."

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

The 20th round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China held Monday-Tuesday (Oct 9-10) failed to curtail tensions along the Indo-Tibet border in Eastern Ladakh.

The 20th round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China held Monday-Tuesday (Oct 9-10) failed to curtail tensions along the Indo-Tibet border in Eastern Ladakh. This means that both Indian and Chinese soldiers will continue to remain deployed in forward areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for the fourth straight winter. Statement from Indian MEA India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Wednesday (Oct 11), which read, “The 20th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 9-10 October 2023.” “The two sides exchanged views in a frank, open and constructive manner for an early and mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector, in accordance with the guidance provided by the national leadership of the two countries, and building on the progress made in the last round of Corps Commanders’ Meeting held on 13-14 August 2023,” the statement by MEA added. It added that both sides agreed to maintain the “momentum of dialogue and negotiations through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms”. “They also committed to maintain peace and tranquillity on the ground in the border areas in the interim,” the short statement added. Peace efforts continue This was the second time when military commanders from the two nations held talks for two consecutive days. These talks form one of two approaches employed by India and China to address the prolonged military standoff. Watch: Gravitas Plus: Maldives elects Pro-China President, are India-Maldives ties in danger? × The other avenue, the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), engages diplomats and officials. The standoff and a deadly clash in Galwan Valley in June 2020, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number of Chinese troops, have strained bilateral relations to their lowest point in six decades. Results so far After multiple rounds of military and diplomatic negotiations, both sides withdrew their frontline forces from Pangong Lake, Gogra, and Hot Springs. However, they remain deadlocked on key "friction points" at Depsang and Demchok. Also read: India needs 8 pc economic growth to rival China`s global dominance: Barclays The establishment of buffer zones has also restricted Indian troops' access to areas they previously patrolled. Indian leadership has emphasised that the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border regions is essential for normalising bilateral ties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier characterised the current situation as "abnormal." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India-China dispute: 20th round of Commander-level talks fail to defuse tensions

Maldives leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conceded defeat in Saturday's presidential vote after an official count showed his pro-China rival Mohamed Muizzu in an unassailable lead.

"Congratulations to the winner of the presidential election Muizzu. Thank you for the beautiful democratic example shown by the people in the elections. Thank you to the MDP and AP members who worked together and to all the people who voted for me," Solih wrote on X after the Elections Commission of the Maldives showed his opponent winning 54 per cent of ballots.

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ރިޔާސީއިންތިޚާބު ކާމިޔާބުކުރެއްވި <a href="https://twitter.com/MMuizzu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MMuizzu</a> އަށް މަރްޙަބާ ދަންނަވަން. އިންތިޚާބުގަ ރައްޔިތުން ދެއްކެވި ޑިމޮކްރެޓިކް ރީތި ނަމޫނާއަށްޓަކާ ޝުކުރު ދަންނަވަން. އެކުގަ މަސައްކަތްކުރި އެމް.ޑީ.ޕީ އާއި އޭ.ޕީ ގެ މެމްބަރުން އަދި އަޅުގަޑަށް ވޯޓުދެއްވި ހުރިހާރައްޔިތުންނަށް ޝުކުރު ދަންނަވަން
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih/status/1708176932452569402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Muizzu was leading the count with 54% of the vote against 46% won by Solih, local media reported.

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Big News from the Neighbourhood: according to initial news opposition PPM-PNC’s presidential candidate <a href="https://twitter.com/MMuizzu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MMuizzu</a> Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is winner of Maldives Presidential election
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1708146198757159152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed also took to his official X account and congratulated Muizzu on his second-round victory.

“Congratulations, President-elect Dr. @MMuizzu”, he said in a post on X.

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Marhaba President-elect Dr. <a href="https://twitter.com/MMuizzu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MMuizzu</a> 🎉👏🏽👏🏽
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/1708153997348229157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid also took to social media platform X and congratulated Mohamed Muizzu for winning the elections.

"Congratulations to President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu for winning the Presidential Election 2023. Many congratulations and much gratitude to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, for the many seeds of hope he had sown over the last 5 years, which will surely reap much prosperity for our country and people," he wrote.

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Congratulations to President-elect Dr <a href="https://twitter.com/MMuizzu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MMuizzu</a> and Vice President-elect <a href="https://twitter.com/HucenSembe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HucenSembe</a> for winning the Presidential Election 2023. 
 
Many congratulations and much gratitude to President <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibusolih</a> , for the many seeds of hope he had sown over the last 5 years, which will surely reap…
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1708182972866912685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Voters in Maldives lined up at polling stations on Saturday (Sep 30) to cast their ballot in a run-off presidential election that is also being considered as a virtual referendum on which country, India or China, will have the most significant influence in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.

Frontrunner Mohamed Muizzu, who is viewed as a strong pro-China contender, led incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih by 6 percentage points in the first round of voting that took place earlier in September.&nbsp;

Muizzu secured a surprise lead with over 46 per cent, whereas Solih, who supervised the restoration of ties with India, followed at 39 per cent.

As per news agency Reuters, a poll held last week by the local Baani Center think tank, showed Solih ahead with 30% and Muizzu at 24% but with 36% of voters undecided.

Thousands turned out early at over 586 polling stations across 187 islands. Maldivians also voted at polling stations in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Britain and Abu Dhabi.

"Everything is going on as scheduled. There are no issues yet," Reuters quoted Fuwad Thowfeek, the president of the Elections Commission, as saying.

"Queues formed long before polling opened," an election official told news agency AFP, requesting anonymity.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovakia-elections-slovaks-vote-in-tight-polls-between-pro-russian-ex-pm-and-pro-west-liberals-641254">Slovaks vote in tight polls between pro-Russian ex-PM and pro-West liberals</a>

"The Elections Commission is encouraging people to vote early."

<h2>Seated in strategically crucial spot</h2>

The country which is home to approximately 1,200 coral islands, is seated in a strategically crucial spot, being right in the middle of the Indian Ocean straddling one of the world's busiest east-west shipping lanes.

The polls could drastically rebalance the country's relations with India and China which are vying for influence in the geopolitical hotspot.

Muizzu, the 45-year-old mayor of Male, spearheaded the $200 million China-backed bridge connecting the capital to the country's main airport while in the last government.

Solih won office in 2018 on the back of discontentment with his authoritarian forerunner Abdullah Yameen, who is an ally of Muizzu and is now serving an 11-year jail sentence for corruption.

He had accused Yameen of forcing the country into a Chinese debt quagmire by borrowing too much money for infrastructure.

Solih had then, in an effort to improve ties with India, invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend his inauguration.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Maldives leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conceded defeat in Saturday's presidential vote after an official count showed his pro-China rival Mohamed Muizzu in an unassailable lead.

Maldives leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conceded defeat in Saturday's presidential vote after an official count showed his pro-China rival Mohamed Muizzu in an unassailable lead. "Congratulations to the winner of the presidential election Muizzu. Thank you for the beautiful democratic example shown by the people in the elections. Thank you to the MDP and AP members who worked together and to all the people who voted for me," Solih wrote on X after the Elections Commission of the Maldives showed his opponent winning 54 per cent of ballots. ރިޔާސީއިންތިޚާބު ކާމިޔާބުކުރެއްވި @MMuizzu އަށް މަރްޙަބާ ދަންނަވަން. އިންތިޚާބުގަ ރައްޔިތުން ދެއްކެވި ޑިމޮކްރެޓިކް ރީތި ނަމޫނާއަށްޓަކާ ޝުކުރު ދަންނަވަން. އެކުގަ މަސައްކަތްކުރި އެމް.ޑީ.ޕީ އާއި އޭ.ޕީ ގެ މެމްބަރުން އަދި އަޅުގަޑަށް ވޯޓުދެއްވި ހުރިހާރައްޔިތުންނަށް ޝުކުރު ދަންނަވަން — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) September 30, 2023 × Muizzu was leading the count with 54% of the vote against 46% won by Solih, local media reported. Big News from the Neighbourhood: according to initial news opposition PPM-PNC’s presidential candidate @MMuizzu Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is winner of Maldives Presidential election — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 30, 2023 × Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed also took to his official X account and congratulated Muizzu on his second-round victory. “Congratulations, President-elect Dr. @MMuizzu”, he said in a post on X. Marhaba President-elect Dr. @MMuizzu 🎉👏🏽👏🏽 — Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) September 30, 2023 × Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid also took to social media platform X and congratulated Mohamed Muizzu for winning the elections. "Congratulations to President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu for winning the Presidential Election 2023. Many congratulations and much gratitude to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, for the many seeds of hope he had sown over the last 5 years, which will surely reap much prosperity for our country and people," he wrote. Congratulations to President-elect Dr @MMuizzu and Vice President-elect @HucenSembe for winning the Presidential Election 2023. Many congratulations and much gratitude to President @ibusolih , for the many seeds of hope he had sown over the last 5 years, which will surely reap… — Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) September 30, 2023 × Voters in Maldives lined up at polling stations on Saturday (Sep 30) to cast their ballot in a run-off presidential election that is also being considered as a virtual referendum on which country, India or China, will have the most significant influence in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation. Frontrunner Mohamed Muizzu, who is viewed as a strong pro-China contender, led incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih by 6 percentage points in the first round of voting that took place earlier in September. Muizzu secured a surprise lead with over 46 per cent, whereas Solih, who supervised the restoration of ties with India, followed at 39 per cent. As per news agency Reuters, a poll held last week by the local Baani Center think tank, showed Solih ahead with 30% and Muizzu at 24% but with 36% of voters undecided. Thousands turned out early at over 586 polling stations across 187 islands. Maldivians also voted at polling stations in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Britain and Abu Dhabi. "Everything is going on as scheduled. There are no issues yet," Reuters quoted Fuwad Thowfeek, the president of the Elections Commission, as saying. "Queues formed long before polling opened," an election official told news agency AFP, requesting anonymity. Also read: Slovaks vote in tight polls between pro-Russian ex-PM and pro-West liberals "The Elections Commission is encouraging people to vote early." Seated in strategically crucial spot The country which is home to approximately 1,200 coral islands, is seated in a strategically crucial spot, being right in the middle of the Indian Ocean straddling one of the world's busiest east-west shipping lanes. The polls could drastically rebalance the country's relations with India and China which are vying for influence in the geopolitical hotspot. Muizzu, the 45-year-old mayor of Male, spearheaded the $200 million China-backed bridge connecting the capital to the country's main airport while in the last government. Solih won office in 2018 on the back of discontentment with his authoritarian forerunner Abdullah Yameen, who is an ally of Muizzu and is now serving an 11-year jail sentence for corruption. He had accused Yameen of forcing the country into a Chinese debt quagmire by borrowing too much money for infrastructure. Solih had then, in an effort to improve ties with India, invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend his inauguration. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidential election, Solih concedes defeat

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