‘Respect, sensitivity and interest’: Jaishankar stresses ‘three mutuals’ as basis for resetting India-China ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday emphasised the importance of “the three mutuals” — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest — as the guiding principles for improving India-China relations.

Addressing a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar said, “Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides. In that endeavour, we must be guided by the three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutal interest. Differences must not become disputes nor competition, conflict…”

Opening remarks at my meeting with FM Wang Yi in New Delhi.
https://t.co/ZbLrgSW9tK

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 18, 2025

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Welcoming Wang Yi and his delegation for the 24th round of talks, Jaishankar noted the significance of the visit — the first by a Chinese minister to India since the leaders of both countries met in Kazan in October 2024, saying, “This occasion provides us with an opportunity to meet and review our bilateral ties. It is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and issues of mutual interest.”

For any forward movement in India-China relations, Jaishankar said that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border is essential.

“You will, of course, be discussing border issues with our Special Representative, NSA Ajit Doval, tomorrow,” Jaishankar told Wang.

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“This is very important because the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward,” he added.

On the broader geopolitical front, Jaishankar said that when the world’s two most populous countries engage, discussion on global affairs is inevitable.

“We seek a fair, balanced, and multipolar world order — including a multipolar Asia,” he said. “Reformed multilateralism is the call of the day.”

He added that amid growing global uncertainty, there is an urgent need to strengthen economic stability and intensify the collective fight against terrorism in all its forms.

“In the current environment, there is clearly an imperative of maintaining and enhancing stability in the global economy as well. The fight against terrorism is another major priority. I look forward to our exchange of views,” he said.

Wang Yi began his two-day visit to India on Monday for crucial talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval as part of the ongoing Special Representatives’ (SR) dialogue on the boundary issue.

His visit comes just days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled trip to China for the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, adding diplomatic weight to the current round of discussions.

Wang was received at Delhi airport by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary of the East Asia division in the Ministry of External Affairs.

He and NSA Doval serve as the designated Special Representatives for the high-level boundary negotiations, which are aimed at resolving the long-standing border tensions and restoring stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

With inputs from agencies