Indian envoy meets Chinese FM

Beijing: India's new ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale on Friday called on Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi ahead of his visit to New Delhi to attend the RIC ministers' meet as well as hold crucial talks with top Indian officials.

The Indian Embassy website posted a picture of Mr Bambawale meeting Mr Wang.

On December 5, Mr Bambawale, who recently took charge, met President Xi Jinping and presented his credentials.

His meeting with Mr Wang on Friday assumed significance as the Chinese foreign minister is scheduled to leave for New Delhi to attend the  Russia-India-China (RIC) foreign ministers' meeting to be held there on December 11.

The Chinese foreign ministry earlier said he is due to hold talks with top Indian officials on the sidelines.

Mr Bambawale's meeting also comes a day after China lodged a protest about an Indian drone crashed on the Chinese side in the Sikkim sector on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Indian Army has clarified that a drone had crossed over into Chinese territory after a technical problem and the Chinese side had been alerted in keeping with protocol.

Mr Wang will be the first Chinese official to visit India after the Dokalam standoff and also after Mr Xi started his second term.