The two sides also agreed on the need for dialogue and diplomacy on Ukraine

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar "strongly" took up the predicament of Indian students studying in China during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on Friday.

These students have not been allowed to return to China citing Covid-19 restrictions.

"We hope that China will take a non-discriminatory approach since it involves the future of so many young people," Jaishankar said after the meeting.

"Minister Wang Yi gave an assurance that he would speak to the relevant authorities on this matter on his return to China. He also recognised the particular concerns that medical students have in this difficult situation," EAM Jaishankar said.

Matters related to trade and investment were also in the agenda. "We continue to press for fairer market access," Jaishankar said.

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar laid out India's principled approach to international relations, based on international law, UN charter and sovereignty and territorial integrity of states

Disputes should be resolved without use or threat of use of force nor should there be attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, he said.

The two ministers discussed specific regional situations. On Afghanistan, India's policy is guided by the IN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2593, Jaishankar pointed out.

"On Ukraine, we discussed our respective approaches and perspectives but agreed that diplomacy and dialogue just be the priority," EAM Jaishankar said.

Responding to a question, he said that Wang Yi presented the Chinese understanding of the developments in Ukraine while he presented the Indian view.

"Where we had a common element was that both us agreed on the importance of an immediate ceasefire as well as a return to diplomacy and dialogue," EAM Jaishankar said.

The talks also touched upon multilateral issues. "I emphasized the need to take forward the long overdue reform of the UN system, including the Security Council," Jaishankar said.

"Our talks today added clarity in regards to various aspects of our bilateral relations. They also provided a useful opportunity for an exchange of perspectives on international issues," Jaishankar said.