New delhi: India and China discussed on Tuesday a host of bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest. A statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met his counterpart, Executive Vice Foreign Minister of China Ma Zhaoxu, as part of the India-China Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, exchanging views on a wide range of issues covering bilateral, regional, and international affairs.
According to Kuwait News Agency, bilateral discussions primarily focused on the recent progress made in stabilizing and rebuilding bilateral ties and ways to advance bilateral engagement. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border regions to ensure overall progress in their relations.
The two leaders reiterated their commitment to implementing the guidance provided by their leaders, including the need to approach issues and concerns related to bilateral trade from a political and strategic direction. The Indian Foreign Secretary highlighted the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and expressed hope for its continued expansion.
Both parties acknowledged the necessity for an early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement and agreed to continue taking practical steps for visa facilitation to promote people-to-people contacts. In addition, they discussed multilateral cooperation, particularly in the context of India's BRICS Chairship, with the Chinese official conveying China's understanding and respect for India's aspirations for United Nations Security Council membership.