EAM Jaishankar speaks with Chinese FM, discusses Covid-19 and Ladakh

India's External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday had a telephonic conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Chinese FM Yi during the conversation, conveyed China's sympathies to India as it continues to struggle against the deadly virus. During the call, both sides discussed at length the issue of full and sincere implementation of the Moscow Agreement of complete disengagement at all friction points along the LAC and full restoration of peace and tranquillity in Eastern Ladakh.

New Delhi: India's External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday had a telephonic conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Chinese FM Yi during the conversation, conveyed China's sympathies to India as it continues to struggle against the deadly virus. During the call, both sides discussed at length the issue of full and sincere implementation of the Moscow Agreement of complete disengagement at all friction points along the LAC and full restoration of peace and tranquillity in Eastern Ladakh. The duo has also agreed to continue discussions in this respect.

They also discussed the international cooperation on public health response to this difficult situation. India and China are engaged in a bitter stand-off on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh since May last year.

Taking to Twitter, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, "Received a call from State Councilor and FM Wang Yi conveying China’s sympathies at the Covid challenge now faced by India. Discussed the international cooperation aspects of the public health response to this difficult situation".

• Received a call from State Councilor & FM Wang Yi conveying China’s sympathies at the COVID challenge now faced by India.
  Discussed the international cooperation aspects of the public health response to this difficult situation.

  — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 30, 2021 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="

  Received a call from State Councilor & FM Wang Yi conveying China’s sympathies at the COVID challenge now faced by India.
  Discussed the international cooperation aspects of the public health response to this difficult situation.

  — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 30, 2021

  ">

  Received a call from State Councilor & FM Wang Yi conveying China’s sympathies at the COVID challenge now faced by India.
  Discussed the international cooperation aspects of the public health response to this difficult situation.

  — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 30, 2021

The Minister has also highlighted the importance of supply chains and air flights being kept open in these circumstances. He also welcomed his counterpart's assurances in that regard, as also more openness to Indian chartered flights, he added.

• Also discussed the issue of full and sincere implementation of the Moscow Agreement of complete disengagement at all friction points along the LAC and full restoration of peace and tranquility in Eastern Ladakh. Agreed to continue discussions in this respect.

  — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 30, 2021 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="

  Also discussed the issue of full and sincere implementation of the Moscow Agreement of complete disengagement at all friction points along the LAC and full restoration of peace and tranquility in Eastern Ladakh. Agreed to continue discussions in this respect.

  — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 30, 2021

  ">

  Also discussed the issue of full and sincere implementation of the Moscow Agreement of complete disengagement at all friction points along the LAC and full restoration of peace and tranquility in Eastern Ladakh. Agreed to continue discussions in this respect.

  — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 30, 2021

Earlier today, expressing concern over the surge in covid cases, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of sympathy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Xi said, "I am very concerned about the recent situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in India. On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, as well as in my name, I would like to express sincere sympathies to the Indian Government and people".

"Humanity is a community with a shared future. Only through solidarity and cooperation can countries around the world ultimately defeat the pandemic", added Xi in his message.

Taking to Twitter, Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong said, "The Chinese side stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the Indian side in fighting the pandemic and provide support and help in this regard. I believe that under the leadership of the Indian Government, the Indian people will surely prevail over the pandemic."

Earlier, the Chinese ambassador had said that since April this year, China has supplied more than 5000 ventilators, 21569 oxygen generators, over 21.48 million masks and around 3800 tons of medicines to India, according to statistics of the General Administration of Customs of China.

Even as India grapples with the Covid-19 surge, the government has not directly approached China for any assistance. India has instead emphasised facilitating procurement by the private sector. It is China that willingly has come forward to join hands with the rest of the world to help India at this hour of Crisis.

On Thursday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said that some of the medical aid is being sourced from China. Addressing a special press briefing on international cooperation on Covid-19, Shringla said, “Number of companies in India is sourcing products and companies have been very active in sourcing our priority requirements be they oxygen generators, concentrators, pharmaceuticals etc. Some of the aid is coming from China and is being sourced from China".