The United States wishes India all the best in its efforts to mend its strained ties with China, America’s number two diplomat said on Wednesday, even as he cautioned that Chinese leader Xi Jinping finds it very difficult to show any flexibility on regional issues.

After assuming office for the second consecutive term on Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India will focus on finding a solution to border issues with China that have long strained ties between the two neighbours.

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, who has led US efforts to boost ties with India to counter China’s growing power, was asked about Jaishankar’s remarks at a Washington think tank.

“I think the reality is that anytime two countries can find some degree of common space to reduce tensions, I think we should support that,” he said.

“I think we look forward to all the success in our discussions with the Indians,” he said, adding that Washington is “very confident and comfortable” about its bilateral relationship with India “and we want that to continue.”

Campbell said he would travel to India next week with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to “advance areas of coordination”.

“I think we feel very good about this partnership”, he said, adding: “I think there are some structural issues between China and India that will be difficult to resolve.”

Campbell said he believed any rapprochement with China or substantial improvement in relations would require India to expect Beijing to change its behaviour towards their disputed borders.

“One of the things we’ve seen under Xi Jinping is that it’s very difficult for the Chinese to show any flexibility or willingness to seek common ground on anything that involves or connects with regional issues,” he said.

India and China share a 3,800 kilometre (2,400 mile) border – much of it poorly demarcated – over which the nuclear-armed nations fought a war in 1962. They have been engaged in a military standoff since July 2020 when at least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops were killed in the worst clashes in five decades.

Washington has sought to develop its ties with India despite differences on some issues, including human rights.