Beijing: India and China took another major step towards normalising ties with a six-point agreement signed on Wednesday that includes “positive directions” in the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, the Nathula border trade and cross-border river cooperation.
The development comes as India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing during which the latter said the two nations should gradually restart institutional dialogue and foster exchanges and cooperation in areas such as the economy, trade, and culture, aiming to restore bilateral relations to a path of stable development.
This was the first such meeting between the two nations’ special representatives in five years. Based on the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries at the Kazan meeting, Chinese Special Representative Wang Yi and India’s Ajit Doval engaged in positive and constructive discussions on the China-India border issue.
The discussions resulted in the following six key agreements:
- Review of Progress and Continued Implementation
Both sides positively reviewed the progress made so far in resolving border issues and emphasised the need for continued implementation of the solutions agreed upon. They reiterated the importance of addressing the border issue in the broader context of bilateral relations to prevent it from impacting overall ties. Both countries agreed to maintain peace and stability in the border regions and to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. - Commitment to a Fair and Mutually Acceptable Solution
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to finding a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the border issue, in line with the 2005 political guidelines agreed upon by the Special Representatives. They expressed their intent to take positive steps to advance this process. - Enhancing Border Management and Stability
Assessing the current border situation, both sides agreed to refine rules for border management and control, strengthen confidence-building measures, and work towards achieving lasting peace and stability along the border. - Boosting Cross-Border Exchanges and Cooperation
Both countries agreed to strengthen cross-border exchanges and cooperation. They held positive discussions on the resumption of Kailash Mansarovar yatra, enhancing cross-border river cooperation, and promoting trade via the Nathu La pass. - Strengthening Consultation Mechanisms
The two sides agreed to further strengthen the Special Representatives’ meeting mechanism, enhance coordination and cooperation in diplomatic and military dialogues, and direct the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs to implement the outcomes of the Special Representatives’ meeting. - Next Meeting in India
Both sides agreed to hold a new round of Special Representatives’ meetings in India next year. The exact date will be finalised through diplomatic channels.
Besides, New Delhi and Beijing held extensive and in-depth discussions on bilateral, international, and regional issues. They emphasised the importance of stable, predictable, and positive China-India relations for ensuring peace and stability in the region and the world.
