Rama Krishna Sangem
From the Galwan clashes five years ago, India and China are now keen on solving Ladakh border disputes through talks. This is a good development in view of the growing tensions in the world.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing on January 26-27 to meet Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussions focused on implementing the consensus on the Ladakh border issue, strengthening bilateral dialogue, and enhancing political, economic, and people-to-people relations.
The two sides reviewed progress on patrolling arrangements in the Depsang Plains and Demchok, following disengagement at other points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: India raised the resumption of the pilgrimage, which has been suspended since the pandemic.
Connectivity and visas: Discussions included direct flights between India and China and visa facilitation for Chinese citizens.
Celebrating diplomatic ties: Misri expressed India’s willingness to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China and reiterated support for China’s role as the chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Good for Progress and cooperation
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation, noting the accelerated improvement in India-China relations since the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last year. He called for substantive measures to deepen trust and reduce suspicion.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry highlighted the alignment of bilateral relations with the interests of the two nations and their contribution to peace and stability in Asia and the global South.
Misri acknowledged the progress made under the Kazan consensus, citing fruitful dialogues at various levels. He underlined India’s commitment to resolving differences and promoting practical cooperation.
Lessening border tensions
India and China have worked to de-escalate tensions along the LAC following the military standoff in Ladakh. The October 2024 agreement on patrolling arrangements in key friction points marked a significant step toward stability.
This visit follows National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s trip to Beijing last month, signalling continued efforts to stabilise ties through dialogue. The developments show that there is progress in talks between the two counties ever since PM Modi met President Xi Jinping last year at SCO meeting in Kazan.
