India and China Urged to Accelerate Resumption of Stalled Dialogue Mechanisms

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on India and China to accelerate the resumption of stalled dialogue mechanisms and promote exchanges in trade, finance, and other fields. The remarks came during talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Monday, as per a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry released early Tuesday.

Wang, who is also a Politburo member, emphasised that both sides should respect each other's core interests and properly handle sensitive issues. He urged that the boundary issue be placed in its appropriate position to prevent it from affecting the overall bilateral relationship.

The call for resuming dialogue follows remarks by Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong earlier this month, who noted that most of the nearly 50 government-to-government dialogue mechanisms between the two countries remain stalled. Speaking at The Hindu Huddle in Bengaluru, Xu expressed concern over the lack of progress.

During Monday's meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisors meeting in New Delhi, Doval underlined the importance of stable, predictable, and constructive bilateral relations in building trust and better understanding. A brief statement from New Delhi said both sides reviewed recent developments and noted progress towards gradual normalisation.

However, the normalisation process has been uneven. Even simpler measures, such as resuming direct flights, have taken months of negotiations. Other dialogue mechanisms remain suspended, even as both sides finalise arrangements for Doval to visit Beijing for the next round of talks under the Special Representatives mechanism. That visit may also clarify whether Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the BRICS leaders' summit in India in September.

A detailed Chinese readout of Monday's talks described India as an important neighbour. It stated that under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, relations have gradually emerged from a low point and returned to a track of recovery. The readout emphasised that both leaders agree China and India are partners, not rivals, forming the most important strategic consensus and providing momentum for healthy and stable development.

Wang noted that exchanges in various fields have gradually resumed, communication and cooperation are progressing, and border areas remain generally peaceful. He stressed that these achievements should be cherished and that both sides need to implement the leaders' consensus, assist each other's development, and push the Global South to accelerate modernisation.

He reiterated the importance of respecting core interests, handling sensitive issues properly, and placing the boundary issue in its appropriate position. Accelerating the resumption of dialogue mechanisms and promoting exchanges in trade, finance, law enforcement, and media is essential, he said. Additionally, both sides should guide all sectors of society to form correct perceptions.