India and China focus on strengthening ties in high-level talks between Foreign Secretary Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today in Beijing, where discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing ongoing tensions along the India-China border. This meeting is part of a broader diplomatic effort to rebuild ties that were severely strained following the 2020 military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Key Discussion Points

As has been reported previously, the main focus of the talks was on maintaining peace and stability along the LAC, where both nations have had military standoffs since the 2020 clashes.

Misri and Wang Yi discussed the progress made since the October 2024 summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. At that summit, both leaders agreed to take steps toward normalizing relations, including disengaging troops from key face-off points like Depsang Plains and Demchok in eastern Ladakh.

While the disengagement process has been completed, further de-escalation and the removal of troops are now the next steps. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the smooth implementation of these measures, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue to prevent any further military clashes.

Wang Yi expressed China’s commitment to a `mutually supportive’ relationship with India, urging both countries to avoid `suspicion’ and focus on cooperation. Misri echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of resolving differences peacefully and steadily rebuilding trust.

CCP Meeting

Ahead of today’s meeting with Wang Yi, Misri held talks on Sunday with Liu Jianchao, the head of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which plays a significant role in shaping China’s foreign policy. This meeting was a vital part of Misri’s two-day visit to Beijing and served to lay the groundwork for the discussions with Wang Yi.

According to state-run Global Times, the two sides exchanged views on jointly implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthening exchanges and dialogues, and promoting the improvement and healthy and stable development of China-India relations, as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

Misri’s engagement with the CCP highlighted China’s efforts to rebuild ties at all levels: government and party. Liu, a key figure in the Chinese leadership, emphasized the importance of improving bilateral relations, including in the areas of trade, cultural exchange, and regional security.

Beyond border security, the talks today also explored opportunities for resuming normal economic and people-to-people exchanges, which have been disrupted by the 2020 border conflict. China has expressed interest in resuming direct flights between the two countries, easing visa restrictions, and lifting bans on Chinese mobile apps.

As reported previously, Misri and Wang Yi also discussed resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

In addition, both sides touched on other areas of cooperation, such as trans-border river data sharing and promoting trade. China has called for the lifting of restrictions on Indian movies in Chinese theaters and for the restoration of normal visa processes for Chinese nationals. While these are seen as positive steps, India has made it clear that full normalization will depend on continued peace along the border.