New Delhi: Having landed in Dushanbe in Tajikistan for the much-awaited SCO Meeting, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishanar held crucial bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and underlined in crystal clear language that Beijing should give up the "lens of a third country".
For his part, he also emphasized that "India does not subscribe to any clash of civilizations theory", Dr Jaishankar penned in a missive on the microblogging site Twitter.
"As for Asian solidarity, it is for China and India to set an example," he tweeted and also said: "It is also essential that China does not view its relations with India through the lens of a third country."
Obviously, the reference is Pakistan, which has lately drawn international attention for its double standards on the Taliban and issues related to the war against terror.
Chinese and Russian Presidents Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan are set to attend the virtual Summit meet along with Indian PM Narendra Modi on Friday (September 17).
"Met Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Dushanbe," Dr Jaishankar wrote on the microblogging site.
He said: "Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for development of bilateral ties."
He said both the leaders also exchanged views on global developments.
Dr Jaishankar also held talks with Kyrgyz Republic Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev.
"Noted our growing development partnership. Agreed to strengthen our traditional cooperation on regional and multilateral issues," Dr Jaishankar wrote.
In another, he thanked Tajik President Emomali Rahmon for receiving him.
The Minister conveyed greetings to Prime Minister Modi.
"Exchanged views on recent developments in Afghanistan and their impact on regional security. India and Tajikistan are strong partners in fighting terrorism, fundamentalism and radicalism," he wrote.
The External Affairs Minister also had a good discussion with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin. Dr Jaishankar said he is looking forward to continuing the parleys on Friday.
Prime Minister Modi will address the SCO Summit via video link. Tajikistan President will host the Summit.
