NEW DELHI: India and China have decided to strengthen the diplomatic mechanisms to advance border management besides looking at modalities to resume cross-border cooperation, including on trans-border rivers and the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra.
“The two sides explored various measures and proposals to give effect to the decisions taken during the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question in Beijing in December 2024 and to advance effective border management,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
Both neighbours, working to normalise their ties strained by border tensions, stated that the meeting in Beijing was conducted in a positive and constructive atmosphere.
“Held in a positive and constructive atmosphere, the meeting comprehensively reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas. Peace and tranquility on the border are critical for the smooth development of overall bilateral relations,” the External Affairs Ministry said.
“Both sides, adopting a positive, constructive, and forward-looking approach, conducted a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views on implementing the consensus reached during the 23rd meeting of Special Representatives for the China-India Boundary Question in December 2024,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a similar statement issued after the meeting.
“The two sides agreed to work together to make substantial preparation for the next meeting of the Special Representatives (SR), which will be held in India later this year," the MEA added in the statement.
The Indian delegation at the talks was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the MEA.
The Chinese delegation was led by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.