Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday that Beijing would resume critical supplies of fertilizers, rare earth minerals, and tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to India, marking a positive development in bilateral ties.
The assurance came during Wang’s visit to New Delhi, nearly a year after China curtailed exports. India depends on China for about 30 per cent of its fertilizer imports, rare earths used in automobile manufacturing, and TBMs vital for infrastructure projects.
Jaishankar, who had raised the issue during his China visit last month, skipped border-related discussions as they are to be taken up by NSA Ajit Doval in the upcoming Special Representative Dialogue. Wang will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi later today.
Indian officials said Jaishankar reaffirmed New Delhi’s position on Taiwan, clarifying that India’s engagement there is restricted to cultural and economic ties.
The talks also touched on global geopolitics, with both sides acknowledging the growing impact of US policies under President Donald Trump. Diplomats noted that India and China agreed on the need to enhance cooperation amid rising uncertainties.
Even as trade relations take a positive turn, troop de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control remains a priority. Although several flashpoints in Ladakh have eased, both militaries remain deployed in significant numbers along the 3,488 km border.