NEW DELHI: In a move signaling improving relations with China, India announced on Thursday that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Beijing on January 26-27 for a meeting under the foreign secretary-vice minister mechanism.
This visit marks the second high-level engagement from India following National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval’s trip to Beijing last month for discussions between the special representatives. It is part of efforts to normalize ties after the disengagement agreement reached on October 21.
Focus on Cross-Border Cooperation
The resumption of this bilateral dialogue stems from a leadership-level agreement to explore the next steps in India-China relations, encompassing political, economic, and cultural domains. The announcement referred to the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October.
During the visit, discussions are expected to include cross-border cooperation, resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers, and enhancing border trade. China has also been urging India to restart direct flights and issue more visas for Chinese nationals.
India, meanwhile, remains focused on China’s hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River. However, China has assured that the project will not disrupt water flow to downstream countries.
Misri’s visit underscores efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen bilateral ties in the wake of recent tensions between the two neighbors.
