02:45I welcome you and your delegation to India at the start of your visit for the 24th round
02:53of talks between the special representatives of India and China.
02:58This is also the first visit by a Chinese minister since our leaders met in Kazan in October
03:072024.
03:08This occasion provides us an opportunity to meet and review our bilateral ties.
03:15It is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of
03:23mutual interest.
03:25Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, Excellency, our two nations now seek to move
03:33ahead.
03:34This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides.
03:39In that endeavor, we must be guided by the three mutuals, mutual respect, mutual sensitivity,
03:45and mutual interest.
03:47Differences must not become disputes nor competition conflict.
03:52Today, our talks will cover economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts,
04:00river data sharing, border trade, connectivity, and bilateral exchanges.
04:06I would like to follow up on some particular concerns that I had brought up with you, Excellency,
04:11when I visited China in July.
04:15You, Excellency, will also be discussing, of course be discussing, border issues with our
04:20special representative, National Security Advisor Ajit Dabal, tomorrow.
04:25This is very important because the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability
04:31to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.
04:36It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward.
04:42Excellency, when the world's two largest nations meet, it is natural that the international situation
04:50will be discussed.
04:51We seek a fair, balanced, and multipolar world order, including a multipolar Asia.
05:00Reform multilateralism is also the call of the day.
05:04In the current environment, there is clearly the imperative of maintaining and enhancing
05:12stability in the global economy as well.
05:16The fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is another major priority.
05:21I look forward to our exchange of views.
05:25Overall, it is our expectation that our discussions would contribute to building a stable, cooperative,
05:32and forward-looking relationship between India and China, one that serves both our interests
05:39and addresses our concerns.
05:42You are visiting India, Excellency, shortly before the SEO summit that China is hosting in Tianjin.
05:49We have worked closely with the Chinese side during its presidency.
05:53We wish you a successful summit with strong outcomes and decisions.
05:58Once again, a warm welcome to India, and I look forward to hearing your opening remarks.
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