India and China Strengthen Bilateral Ties Amid Recent Challenges

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged in discussions with China's Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, where both parties reviewed the progress in India-China bilateral relations. They agreed to prioritize people-centric engagement and work towards stabilizing and reconstructing their relationship. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that during their meeting on Thursday, both sides also concurred on expediting necessary measures to resume direct air services between the two nations. Misri had previously met with Sun on January 27 in Beijing. The Ministry noted that Sun is visiting India on June 12-13 and is the former Chinese ambassador to India, currently overseeing South Asian affairs in Beijing. This visit marks the first by a senior Chinese official to India following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April and the military conflict between India and Pakistan in May.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that during the meeting, both sides reviewed developments in India-China relations since their last meeting on January 27, 2025, in Beijing. They agreed on the importance of stabilizing and reconstructing their ties with a focus on the people. Misri appreciated the Chinese side's cooperation in resuming the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage this year. The Ministry also mentioned discussions held in April regarding cooperation on transboundary rivers and expressed hope for progress on this front. Furthermore, both parties agreed to accelerate steps to restart direct air services, with the Foreign Secretary expressing optimism about finalizing a new air service agreement soon. India and China also agreed on practical measures to facilitate visa processes and enhance exchanges between media and think tanks.

Additionally, China indicated its willingness to engage in discussions with India regarding the export restrictions on rare minerals, emphasizing the need to stabilize industrial supply chains through enhanced cooperation with relevant countries. Recently, China imposed restrictions on the export of key rare minerals, causing significant disruptions in vehicle and semiconductor chip production in India and other nations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, 'We are prepared to enhance dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries and regions to jointly maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains.'

China holds a monopoly on rare earth minerals, and the export bans have raised concerns in various industries regarding shortages of these critical materials. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has stated that it is in contact with the Chinese side to ensure stability and reliability in supply chains in line with international trends. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to reporters, saying, 'We are in touch with the Chinese side. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs announced the implementation of export controls on certain rare items related to earth elements in early April.'

Moreover, China has dismissed any ambiguity or double standards in its approach to combating terrorism, citing its close ties with Pakistan. Lin Jian emphasized that addressing this threat is a shared responsibility of the international community. He stated, 'I want to stress that China's stance on combating terrorism remains clear and consistent.' Lin noted that terrorism is a common enemy of humanity and that fighting it is a collective responsibility. His comments came in response to Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar's remarks in a recent interview regarding the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and China's support for Pakistan.

Lin expressed hope that India would work with China to implement the significant consensus reached during the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan last October, aiming to advance bilateral relations on a strong and stable path. His remarks coincided with Sun Weidong's two-day visit to New Delhi starting Thursday.

Additionally, Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the loss of life and property due to a plane crash in Ahmedabad. According to state news agency Xinhua, Xi expressed deep sympathy on behalf of the Chinese government and people, extending condolences to the injured and bereaved families while wishing for the swift recovery of the injured. Chinese Premier Li Qiang also sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister Modi. Xi also sent a separate message to British King Charles III, expressing sorrow for the British victims of the plane crash, while Premier Li sent condolences to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.