New Delhi: During the India-China Strategic Dialogue held on Tuesday, China urged that relations between the two countries be viewed from a "strategic and long-term perspective". The dialogue, between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu, took place in New Delhi.
The primary focus of the discussions was on the steps both nations have taken to stabilize and rebuild their bilateral ties, which have been strained following a four-year military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas to ensure overall progress in their relationship.
According to a press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, both Misri and Ma had "friendly, candid and in-depth communication" regarding the international and regional situation, their respective internal and external policies, and various issues of shared interest.
China's Foreign Ministry stated that both sides acknowledged the complex changes in the international landscape and agreed that China and India should collaborate to implement the consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This includes the idea that the two countries should see each other as partners rather than competitors, and as mutual opportunities for development rather than threats. The Ministry added that China and India should deepen mutual trust, expand cooperation, properly manage differences, and promote the development of China-India relations along a sound and steady track.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that discussions covered a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international issues. They reiterated their commitment to implement the guidance provided by their leaders, including addressing issues and concerns related to bilateral trade from a political and strategic direction.
Misri acknowledged the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and expressed hope for its continued expansion. Both sides recognized the need for an early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement and agreed to take practical steps for visa facilitation and to promote people-to-people contacts.
Both sides also discussed multilateral cooperation, including in the context of India's BRICS chairmanship this year. China expressed its support for a successful BRICS Summit in India and conveyed that it understands and respects India's aspirations for UNSC membership.
Despite these efforts, some analysts suggest that gaps remain in how the two countries frame their relationship. While Beijing seems to be promoting a vision of partnership, India remains focused on practical stabilization, reflecting lingering mistrust after the 2020 border clashes and the need to balance its relationships with both China and the United States. India has maintained a cautious approach towards China, especially in security, while attempting to normalize relations in less sensitive areas like the economy.