India, China explore practical steps to ease visas

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held the India China Strategic Dialogue with his counterpart Executive Vice Foreign Minister (EVFM) Ma Zhaoxu here on Tuesday and decided to agreed to continue to take practical steps for visa facilitation and promote people-to-people contacts. Both sides recognised the need for an early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement.

EVFM Ma is in India to participate in the BRICS Sherpa Meeting. The EVFM also conveyed that China understands and respects India’s aspirations for UNSC membership.

The two sides exchanged views on a wide gamut of issues covering bilateral, regional and international affairs. Bilateral discussions primarily focussed on the recent progress made in stabilising and rebuilding bilateral ties and ways to take bilateral engagement forward, an official said.

Both sides underscored the importance of peace and tranquility in the border areas for overall progress in bilateral relations. They reiterated their commitment to implement the guidance provided by their leaders including on the need to proceed from a political and strategic direction to approach issues and concerns related to bilateral trade, the official added.

Foreign Secretary noted the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and hoped for the continued expansion of the scale of the Yatra.

Both sides discussed multilateral cooperation, including in the context of India’s BRICS Chairship this year. The Chinese side expressed its support for a successful BRICS Summit in India.