China to resume key supplies to India
During a meeting in New Delhi on Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that China would resume the supply of essential goods, including fertilizers, rare earth minerals, and tunnel boring machines (TBMs). This development marks a positive step as both nations continue efforts to normalize relations.
Key issues raised during talks
Minister Jaishankar reportedly addressed India’s concerns regarding the stalled supply of urea, NPK, DAP, rare earths, and TBMs during his visit to China last month. However, border issues were not part of the discussion. These matters are expected to be addressed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during the Special Representative dialogue.
Wang Yi is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day.
No change in India’s Taiwan stance
Jaishankar reaffirmed that India’s position on Taiwan remains unchanged. He emphasized that India’s diplomatic presence in Taiwan is solely for economic and cultural cooperation, consistent with global practices.
Shared concerns over US policies
Although the dialogue was cordial, discussions acknowledged shared concerns about US foreign policy under President Donald Trump. Both sides reportedly agreed that India and China should maintain closer contact in response to external geopolitical uncertainties.
Resumption of critical imports a major step forward
China’s decision to restore exports of fertilizers, rare earths, and TBMs to India is significant. These exports had been suspended for nearly a year, affecting key sectors. China previously supplied around 30% of India’s fertilizer needs and was a major source of rare earths used in automobile manufacturing and infrastructure machinery.
Border dialogue shifted to the NSA level
Although border issues were not discussed in the Jaishankar-Wang meeting, they will be addressed during Ajit Doval’s Special Representative-level talks. The focus will be on reducing troop presence along the 3,488-kilometre Line of Actual Control (LAC). While friction in eastern Ladakh has eased, forces from both sides remain stationed near the border, necessitating further disengagement.
China responds to India’s three priority concerns
According to sources, Wang Yi assured Jaishankar that China is committed to meeting India’s urgent needs regarding fertilizers, rare earth minerals, and TBMs. This assurance came as Wang Yi began his two-day visit to India.
Jaishankar also mentioned that discussions would cover a wide range of issues, including economic ties, trade, river data sharing, pilgrimages, and connectivity.
Stability and mutual respect emphasized
During the meeting, Jaishankar stressed that India-China relations should be guided by mutual respect and sensitivity. He warned against restrictive trade practices and emphasized the importance of managing differences without escalating disputes.
He also acknowledged the visit as an opportunity to review bilateral ties, global affairs, and mutual interests.
Background: Tensions and recent progress
India-China relations had deteriorated following military confrontations in eastern Ladakh in 2020. However, troop disengagement at several friction points and new patrolling agreements near the LAC have signaled improving ties.
With upcoming multilateral events such as the BRICS Summit and the SCO Summit in China, both countries appear to be working towards de-escalation and regional stability.
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Untrustworthy neighbor. Move cautiously with calibrated thoughts with double India wall defense.
The two and half day wonder and the Ukraine war has some good out comes. Whatever the Chinese are selling will be paid for unlike in Pakistan.May be China has started, putting down on paper the cost / benefit of dealing with Pakistan and India. The border dominance with zero cost has not worked and the futility of supplying defense equipment to Pakistan only exposes the quality inadequacies to other prospective buyers. So better to mend fences and live like good neighbours. in peace and prosperity.