Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a two-day visit, marking a significant moment in Sino-Indian relations. Wang Yi was welcomed by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary of the East Asia Division in the Ministry of External Affairs, upon his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

On his arrival, Wang Yi engaged immediately in the 24th round of Special Representatives’ Talks on the boundary question with India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. The two leaders also discussed border stability measures, trade normalization, and the resumption of civilian flight services between the two countries. Additionally, Wang Yi held bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar.

Wang Yi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Modi’s trip to China for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. This meeting is expected to further strengthen India-China ties and discuss pressing issues.

The visit comes against the backdrop of strained India-US relations, triggered by President Donald Trump’s recent 50% tariff hike on American imports, and lingering mistrust following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. The outcome of these high-level talks will be closely watched for signals on Asia’s shifting geopolitical and economic landscape.

Gourangalal Das, a senior diplomat from Assam, has played a key role in welcoming Wang Yi to Delhi. Das brings experience from postings in Beijing, Washington, and the Prime Minister’s Office under Dr. Manmohan Singh. A gold-medalist in economics, he graduated from St Stephen’s College and the Delhi School of Economics, and topped Assam’s HSLC exams in 1991. Das has also served as the Director General of the India Taipei Association and Joint Secretary for the Americas, where he played a crucial role in arrangements for a visit by then-US President Donald Trump.