India-China Talks: Building Trust & Resuming Ties!

In Beijing, China, officials stressed the importance of solving differences and improving India-China relations during talks with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Misri met Chinese Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to discuss ways to rebuild the strained ties caused by a military standoff in Eastern Ladakh that lasted for over four years.

The meeting led to key decisions, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage for Indian travelers and direct flight connections between the two countries. Both leaders, who had previously served as ambassadors to each other’s countries, discussed important agreements made by their leaders during a meeting last year at the BRICS summit in Kazan. They emphasized the need for friendly talks, trust, and cooperation, stating that finding common ground would help develop healthy and stable relations.

India showed its support for China during its presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year and promised to participate in various events hosted by China. Both sides agreed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with cultural exchanges and media discussions. They also plan to facilitate easier travel for people and journalists from both countries after a two-year break.

The talks included discussions on resuming the traditional pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, in Tibet, and sharing vital water data from rivers that flow between them. India has expressed concerns about a major dam being built by China on the Brahmaputra River.

During his visit, Misri met other top Chinese officials to discuss these matters further.