On March 2, 2023 local time, Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, whose country holds the presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) this year, on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.

Qin Gang said that as neighboring major countries and leading emerging economies, China and India have far more common interests than differences. The development and revitalization of China and India, embodying a boost to the force of developing countries, will change the destiny of one-third of the world’s population and bear on the future of Asia and beyond. The two sides need to view bilateral relations in the context of the once-in-a-century changes in the world, steer bilateral cooperation from the perspective of their respective national rejuvenation, and be partners on their paths to modernization. The two sides should follow through on the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain dialogue, and properly handle differences, so as to improve bilateral relations as soon as possible and work for steady progress. The two sides should put the boundary issue in an appropriate position in bilateral relations and work for the regular management of border areas at an early date. China is ready to resume exchanges and cooperation with India in various fields at a faster pace, and restart direct flights as soon as possible to facilitate cross-border travel.

Qin Gang said that China and India share broad common interests in safeguarding the rights and interests of developing countries, promoting South-South cooperation, and addressing climate change and other global challenges. China supports India in performing its duties during its G20 presidency and stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation, so as to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice, and inject stability and positive energy into the world.

Noting that India and China are both great ancient civilizations and important partners to each other, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said India and China have achieved and will continue to achieve positive outcomes in economic and trade cooperation, cultural and people-to-people exchanges and many other fields. India agrees that the two sides need to steer and improve bilateral relations from a historical and a strategic perspective, and build more cooperation platforms to advance India-China relations on the track of sound development. Noting the growing stability in the border areas between the two countries, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that the two sides should make joint efforts to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. India thanks China’s support for its G20 presidency and stands ready to maintain communication and coordination on multilateral affairs.