India-China Relation: China ready to supply fertilizers, rare earth materials and tunnel boring machines to India

India-China Relation: A phase of positive change has started in the relations between India and China, and its clear signs are now visible. Recently, Beijing has assured India to restore the supply of fertilizers, rare earth materials, and tunnel boring machines (TBMs). This assurance was given during the meeting of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar during his two-day visit to India. It is worth noting that Jaishankar had raised the issue of supply of urea, NPK, DAP, rare earth minerals, and TBMs with Wang Yi during his visit to China last month.

Emphasis on the process of reducing tensions

In the meeting with Wang Yi, Jaishankar emphasized that India and China should adopt a clear and constructive approach to take their relations forward, which is based on mutual respect, sensitivity, and mutual interests. He emphasized the need to accelerate the process of reducing tensions in the border areas, especially near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. There has been a standoff between the armies of the two countries in this region for more than four years, which has been a major challenge for bilateral relations.

India's stand clear

During the meeting, Jaishankar reiterated India's stand on the Taiwan issue and made it clear that there has been no change in it. He said that India, like other countries in the world, will maintain a diplomatic presence for economic and cultural relations with Taiwan. Along with this, both sides agreed that they need to further strengthen their relations due to the current policies of Washington. This reflects a strategic approach, which can be beneficial for both the countries in the global geopolitical scenario.

Why is Wang Yi's visit important?

This visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is taking place at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to visit China soon to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). India-China relations came under serious strain after the conflict in the Galvan Valley in 2020, which affected the trust between the two countries. Against this backdrop, Wang Yi's visit is being seen as an important step in the efforts by both neighbouring countries to normalise relations and restore trust.

Way forward

Wang Yi's visit and the discussions between the two foreign ministers make it clear that India and China are committed to taking their relations in a new and positive direction. Restoration of supply chains, de-escalation, and cooperation based on mutual interests are important steps in this direction. This is a positive sign not only for the two countries but also for regional and global stability.