MEA calls out Wang Yi's J&K talk at OIC in Pakistan ahead of his India trip

New Delhi: Chinese foreign minister and state councillor Wang Yi's comments on Jammu and Kashmir, at a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Islamabad, on the eve of his visit may have soured atmospherics with India calling him out, even as New Delhi plans to study his proposals to revive bilateral ties which have been adversely impacted since the killing of the Indian soldiers in the Galwan valley in 2020.

"We reject the uncalled reference to India by the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi during his speech at the Opening Ceremony (of the OIC)," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. "Matters related to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir are entirely the internal affairs of India. Other countries including China have no locus standi to comment. They should note that India refrains from public judgement of their internal issues."

During his two-day trip starting Thursday, Wang will not only meet his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar and NSA AK Doval but may also call on the top leadership including Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put forward proposals from his leadership to revive ties by addressing the current LAC standoff, ET has learnt. However, the meeting with the PM is yet to be confirmed.

India, on its part, is expected to emphasise that there can be no normality in ties unless China addresses India's remaining concerns along eastern Ladakh. ET has learnt that India will study proposals put forward by Wang, who is also expected to focus on regional, global and economic issues. The visit assumes significance amid the geopolitical flux following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Besides, giving momentum to Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral as well as Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (brics) is also on the agenda of Wang's visit, ET has learnt. Wang would outline the priorities of China under Brics. China holds the rotating presidency of both Brics and RIC. Late last year, Russia had suggested holding an RIC summit.

ET was the first to report last week that Wang is planning a visit to India this month. The Chinese minister will arrive here from Pakistan where he is attending the OIC meet and the Pakistan National Day celebrations. From India he is expected to proceed to Nepal.