New Delhi: China has said that it understands and respects India’s aspiration for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The signal came during high-level strategic talks in New Delhi at a time when both sides are trying to steady a relationship strained for years.
The message was conveyed during the India-China Strategic Dialogue, which was led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. The Chinese official is in India to attend the BRICS Sherpa meeting scheduled from February 8 to 10.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions covered a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues with a clear focus on restoring momentum in ties that have remained tense since the border standoff.
Border peace seen as key to reset
Both sides agreed that peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remain central to any broader improvement in relations. The MEA said the two delegations underlined that tranquillity in border areas is essential for the overall development of India-China ties.
The talks also revisited steps taken in recent months to prevent further escalation and explored ways to move the relationship forward after a prolonged period of strain. Officials reiterated their commitment to follow the guidance provided by the leadership of both countries.
Trade, travel and people-to-people links
As per described by MEA, Bilateral trade was discussed as a “broader political and strategic perspective”, indicating a cautious approach amid unresolved issues.
Foreign Secretary Misri also flagged the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and said India hopes the scale of the pilgrimage can be expanded in the future. Both sides acknowledged the need to conclude an updated Air Services Agreement at the earliest and agreed to continue practical steps to ease visa processes and boost people-to-people exchanges.
Focus on multilateral cooperation
Multilateral cooperation also featured prominently on the agenda with China expressing support for India hosting the BRICS Summit. This signals cooperation on shared global platforms even at a time when the bilateral issues remain sensitive.
While major breakthroughs were not announced but the tone of the dialogue between the two suggested cautious optimism. The talks emphasised border peace, dialogue and cooperation and also pointed to an effort from both sides to prevent further deterioration and explore a gradual stabilisation of ties.