Resolution of Doklam Issue Shows Political Maturity: Chinese Min
Foreign ministers of Russia, India and China deliberated on several pressing regional & global issues on Monday
- Foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) on Monday deliberated on a range of pressing regional and global issues
- EAM Sushma Swaraj held a meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines
- Swaraj also held a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
- “We held discussions on terrorism, challenges to economic growth, food security and climate change, among others,” Sushma Swaraj said after the meeting.
Peaceful Resolution of the Doklam Issue Reflects Political Maturity: Chinese Foreign Minister
The Doklam issue was discussed at the bilateral meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday, Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday, 13 Demcember.
The statement said both the countries noted the challenge the stand-off had posed to the Indo-China bilateral relationship, and expressed satisfaction that it was resolved with disengagement of troops at face-off site through concerted diplomatic communications.
It added that Yi conveyed that peaceful resolution of the Doklam issue reflects political maturity on both sides. While agreeing with this, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj reiterated that maintenance of peace in border areas is an essential pre-requisite for smooth development of bilateral relations.
She further underlined the need for approaching the differences with due consideration to both the countries’ sensitivities and concerns. Both foreign ministers agreed to strengthen strategic communication at all levels, through the established dialogue mechanisms, the statement said.
Discussed Terrorism, Challenges to Economic Growth, Food Security: Sushma Swaraj After Meet
Listing out the issues that were discussed in the RIC trilateral meeting, External Affairs Ministers Sushma Swaraj said:
The three countries also issued a joint statement after the meeting.
Foreign Ministers of China and Russia With Sushma Swaraj at the 15th Round of RIC Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meet
'Sushma Swaraj Had a Positive and Forward Looking With Chinese Foreign Minister'
According to sources, Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed all issues of mutual interest in the talks held on Monday, 11 December.
MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted:
Swaraj also held a bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Swaraj Meets Chinese Counterpart
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi.
"We have handled the issue of cross-border incursions by the Indian border troops into China's Donglang (Doklam) area through diplomatic measures," Wang told a symposium last week, maintaining Beijing's stand.
"Through diplomatic means, the Indian side withdrew its equipment and personnel which reflected the value and importance of China-India relations and demonstrated sincerity and responsibility of maintaining regional peace and stability," he said in his speech in Chinese posted on the website of the foreign ministry.
"China and India have far greater shared strategic interests than differences, and far greater needs for cooperation than partial friction," he said.
As long as China and India continue to engage in in-depth strategic communication and promptly dispel strategic misgivings, the strategic value of bilateral cooperation will be presented more clearly to the people, there will be a "prospect of the dragon and the elephant dancing together with 1 + 1 = 11 outlook," Wang said.
The references to India by Wang were part of a lengthy speech about China's diplomatic achievements in 2017 and its relations this year with various countries including the US, Russia, Japan and countries in the disputed South China Sea region.
First Trilateral Meet Post Doklam
Foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) on Monday will deliberate on a range of pressing regional and global issues, including ways to tackle the threat of terrorism and extremism, at a key meeting of the trilateral grouping.
Before the trilateral talks, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will hold a meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during which a number of major issues are likely to be discussed. It will be the first high-level visit from China to India after the Doklam standoff.
Swaraj will also hold a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Bilateral Meet with China
Asked about the meeting between Wang and Swaraj, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said India expects that the deliberations will cover all bilateral, regional and global issues of importance.
Wang, whose visit here began on Sunday evening, will also meet Lavrov and attend an India-China Cultural evening on Monday. The Chinese foreign minister will depart early Tuesday morning.
There were media reports then that Wang had put off his visit to India to protest New Delhi's decision to allow the Dalai Lama to travel to Arunachal Pradesh. However, China had dismissed the reports.
Pressing Issues to Be Discussed
It is learnt India will strongly push for strengthening cooperation among the three countries in effectively countering terrorism and naming Pakistan-based terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in the RIC communique, citing a similar move by the BRICS grouping.
It may also allay apprehension about joining the proposed quadrilateral coalition with Japan, Australia and the US, which was seen as a move to counter China.
Connectivity is set to be a major focus area at the RIC meeting and India is likely press for speedy implementation of the 7,200 km-long International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) linking India, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia with Europe.
The RIC meeting is likely to review the regional security scenario, developments in the Gulf region, situation in Afghanistan and ways to tackle terrorism, among others
(Breathe In, Breathe Out: Are you finding it tough to breathe polluted air? Join hands with FIT in partnership with #MyRightToBreathe to find a solution to pollution. Send in your suggestions to fit@thequint.com or WhatsApp @ +919999008335)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)