China's Foreign Minister Makes Surprise Visit to New Delhi

Following China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's surprise visit to New Delhi, India and China conducted their highest-level meeting in roughly two years on Friday in New Delhi.

Since a build-up of troops on their disputed border led to deadly skirmishes in 2020, relations between the two Asian countries have been strained.

Mr Wang met with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, and Ajit Doval, the country's national security adviser.

According to inpiduals familiar with the conversations, Mr Doval reminded Mr Wang that the complete disengagement of Chinese and Indian forces near the border was critical to repairing relations.

Both parties were scheduled to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Both believe Russia to be a friendly country and have refused to denounce the invasion, which Moscow refers to as a special military operation.

Before Mr Wang arrived in New Delhi late on Thursday, neither side had publicised the visit. His arrival was captured on video departing a civilian airport rather than the adjoining defence facility, where usually foreign dignitaries land.

Before his travel, the Indian government chastised Mr Wang over remarks he made in Pakistan this week about Kashmir.

Parts of Muslim-majority Kashmir are ruled by India and Pakistan, but both claim complete control of the area. China has consistently backed Pakistan, a close friend.

Wang paid an unexpected visit to Afghanistan on Thursday, when he met with Taliban leaders in Kabul.