Sushma Swaraj holds delegation-level talks with Chinese counterpart

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday held delegation-level talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during which the duo discussed issues of mutual interest.

"Discussing issues of mutual importance. EAM @SushmaSwaraj meets with her counterpart Chinese FM Wang Yi in New Delhi," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

Wang, who is presently on a three- day visit to India, earlier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Talking to the media in Panaji, Goa, yesterday, Wang said, "It is up to India to decide what position to take."

The visiting Foreign Minister was asked whether he would like to make any statement on China seeking India's support on the South China Sea.

Wang's visit to India is part of the regular high-level dialogue between the two countries.

Wang yesterday said Beijing will strengthen communication and coordination with New Delhi to make preparations for the Chinese leaders' attendance at the forthcoming BRICS Summit to be held in Goa in October.

The Chinese Foreign Minister's discussion with the leadership in New Delhi assumes significance as it comes after China ruled out bending rules for India's entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in June.

His visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming trip to Hangzhou, China, for the G-20 Summit early next month.

Prime Minister Modi had visited China from May 14-16 last year.

It was for the first time that Chinese President Xi Jinping travelled outside Beijing to receive a foreign leader in Xi'an, his home province.