India, China discuss resumption of dialogue in step-by-step manner

Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary held a meeting with Liu Jinsong, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing on March 26.The officials of the two nations discussed resumption of dialogue in a step-by-step manner to utilise them to address each other's priority areas of interest and concern and move ties "on to a more stable and predictable path," according to Ministry of External Affairs statement. India and China have made further progress on the modalities to resume the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in 2025.In a press release, the MEA said, "In today's meeting, the two sides reviewed the action taken by them to implement the strategic direction as also the specific steps agreed in the meeting between Foreign Secretary and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister in January 2025 to stabilise and rebuild ties." These high-level meetings have provided strategic guidance to stabilise and further develop relations.Earlier on Tuesday, the 33rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs was held in Beijing.During the meeting, the officials of the two nations reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas and agreed on the early resumption of cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including on trans-border rivers and Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra.According to the Ministry of External Affairs press release, both nations explored various measures and proposals to implement the decisions taken during the meeting of the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question in Beijing in December 2024 and advance effective border management. The two sides agreed to maintain and strengthen diplomatic and military mechanisms.According to the MEA statement, Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary, led the Indian delegation to the meeting, and Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Chinese delegation.