Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Beijing on 26-27 January 2025 has marked a significant step towards stabilizing and revitalizing India-China relations. This visit, which included a key meeting on the 27th between the Indian and Chinese foreign ministries, was in line with the commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during their talks in Kazan in October 2024. The two sides discussed a range of bilateral issues and took important steps to rebuild trust and cooperation.
Key Outcomes of the Visit
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
In one of the most anticipated announcements, both countries agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025. The Yatra, which was suspended for several years, holds deep cultural and religious significance for both nations. The two sides will finalize the modalities for resumption through the relevant bilateral mechanisms, ensuring the journey adheres to existing agreements.
Hydrological Data Cooperation and Trans-Border Rivers
Both nations agreed to convene an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism to discuss the resumption of hydrological data sharing. This move is critical for managing shared trans-border rivers, an area of mutual concern. It underscores the importance of water security and the need for continued cooperation on environmental and hydrological issues.
People-to-People Exchanges
The two sides recognized the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties. They committed to increasing interactions between media outlets, think tanks, and academic institutions. Additionally, both countries expressed their intent to resume direct air services, with technical authorities from both sides set to negotiate a new framework to make this possible.
75 Years of Diplomatic Relations
With 2025 marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China, both countries agreed to leverage this milestone to enhance public diplomacy efforts. A series of commemorative activities will be held throughout the year to foster mutual understanding and rebuild trust between the people of both nations.
Trade Cooperation
The visit also focused on resolving existing economic and trade challenges. Both sides agreed to use bilateral dialogues to address concerns and work toward fostering transparency and predictability in economic policies. This includes addressing specific issues in trade and other functional exchanges to ensure long-term cooperation and stability in economic relations.
During his visit, Foreign Secretary Misri held productive meetings with senior Chinese officials, including Wang Yi, Member of the Politburo and Foreign Minister, and Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China. These meetings provided an opportunity to discuss key issues directly with top leadership and to further strengthen the diplomatic dialogue between the two countries.
By focusing on people-to-people exchanges, economic collaboration, and resolving bilateral concerns through dialogue, both nations have demonstrated their commitment to improving ties for mutual benefit.
The outcomes of this visit underscore the strategic importance of maintaining strong diplomatic channels between India and China, especially as both countries navigate regional and global challenges. The actions agreed upon will not only help stabilize the relationship but also contribute to a broader vision of peaceful coexistence and collaborative progress.