India is set to engage with China on cross-border cooperation following recent talks between national security adviser Ajit Doval and foreign minister Wang Yi. Their discussions focused on resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, trade, and data sharing on rivers, amid an agreement reached on troop disengagement after heightened tensions since 2020. Both parties aim to address longstanding boundary questions and improve bilateral relations step by step.
India recently expressed its commitment to collaborate with China in advancing efforts on cross-border cooperation, specifically regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and border trade. This announcement followed a significant meeting between India’s national security adviser, Ajit Doval, and China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, held in Beijing. Their discussions, which marked the first formal talks in nearly five years, came after an understanding achieved on October 21 regarding the disengagement of frontline forces in the Ladakh region of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
During these discussions, Doval and Wang identified positive avenues for cross-border engagements, including data sharing on trans-border rivers and resuming trade. When queried about this development, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that the dialogues had progressed positively and emphasized the need for continued efforts to enhance cross-border exchanges.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been suspended since 2020 due to military tensions along the LAC, represents a critical area of focus for both nations. Tensions escalated after a severe clash in Galwan Valley resulted in casualties on both sides, leading to increased military presence in the region. Following the recent agreement, disengagement of troops has occurred at two remaining friction points, reflecting an ongoing effort to ease hostilities.
Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened on October 23 at the Brics Summit to discuss revitalizing various mechanisms aimed at addressing border disputes. Jaiswal reiterated both parties’ commitment to establishing a fair and reasonable framework for resolving boundary questions based on previously agreed political principles. While progress in trade relations is anticipated, detailed actions are to be evaluated step by step as discussions continue.
The historical context of India-China relations features periods of conflict and cooperation, particularly concerning border disputes. The current situation stems from heightened military tensions marked by troop deployments and a violent clash in June 2020, which killed multiple soldiers from both nations. This led to serious diplomatic negotiations to restore relations. The recommendation to revive the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra signifies a desire to re-establish cultural and religious ties amidst ongoing political disagreements. Disengagement agreements and high-level discussions signal a cautious but hopeful desire for normalization between India and China.
In summary, India’s recent engagement with China highlights the two nations’ aspirations to restore cooperative relations post-military standoff. The positive outcomes from the Special Representatives’ discussions could pave the way for renewed cross-border exchanges, including resuming pilgrimage and enhancing trade links. The complexities of historical relations still pose challenges, but the reaffirmed commitments by both sides to resolve outstanding issues indicate a potential thaw in relations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
