Following the first formal discussions in five years, India and China are set to advance cross-border cooperation efforts, including resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and enhancing border trade, after an earlier understanding on disengagement of forces in Ladakh. The talks signal a potential thaw in relations following previous military tensions.
India has expressed its commitment to collaborate with China on advancing agreements made regarding cross-border cooperation, particularly for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and border trade. This announcement came in light of the first formal discussions between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held in Beijing, their first such talks in nearly five years. The meetings were a continuation of a recent understanding aimed at disengaging frontline forces in the Ladakh region, which had witnessed heightened tensions since 2020.
The relationship between India and China has been complex, significantly impacted by military standoffs along their shared border, particularly in the Ladakh region. Tensions escalated notably after a violent clash in June 2020, which claimed the lives of both Indian and Chinese soldiers. Since then, efforts to restore bilateral relations have included high-level meetings and discussions aimed at addressing border disputes and resuming cooperation, particularly in areas such as border trade and pilgrimage activities that have been disrupted.
In conclusion, India and China are taking steps to renew cooperation following the recent talks between their Special Representatives. The restoration of dialogue marks a potentially positive turn in bilateral relations, which have been strained due to military confrontations over the past few years. Future meetings and agreements will be essential in continuing this progress.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
