External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg on Friday, where both leaders discussed bilateral relations and global challenges.

During the meeting, Jaishankar said that gatherings like the G20 have provided opportunities for dialogue even during challenging phases in India-China relations. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of both countries in supporting the G20’s role amid a polarized global landscape, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.

“Such gatherings have provided an opportunity for our interaction even when our ties were going through a difficult phase,” Jaishankar said. “We should also recognize that in a polarized global situation, our two countries have worked hard to preserve and protect the G20 as an institution.”

Reflecting on recent engagements, Jaishankar mentioned key visits by India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) and Foreign Secretary to China since the leaders’ last meeting during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.

“Our discussions have included the management of peace and tranquility in the border areas as well as other dimensions of our ties. I am glad today to have a further exchange of views,” Jaishankar said.

The EAM also emphasized the broader context of India-China engagement through platforms like the G20, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS. He said that both countries share interests in various regional and global issues, underscoring the value of exchanging perspectives for mutual benefit.

“India and China are members of the G20, SCO, and BRICS. There are also regional and global issues of mutual interest, where an exchange of perspectives will be to our mutual benefit,” Jaishankar added.

Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar expressed optimism about the ongoing dialogue, stating that the discussions would contribute to strengthening bilateral ties and addressing shared global challenges.