Gangtok: India and China have taken a significant step towards improving bilateral relations by signing a six-point agreement. This development has cleared the path for the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the Nathula border trade.
The 23rd round of Special Representative (SR) talks, held in Beijing after a five-year hiatus, saw India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi engage in in-depth discussions. The talks focused on a range of critical issues, including cross-border river cooperation, and aimed to rebuild trust between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the significance of this first SR meeting since the 2020 border clashes. The discussions reaffirmed the implementation of the October 2024 disengagement agreement, which has enabled increased patrolling and operational activities in the border areas.
Both sides have committed to strengthening cross-border exchanges and cooperation. The MEA confirmed that they have agreed to promote Indian pilgrimages to Tibet, cross-border river collaboration, and the resumption of Nathula border trade.
As the official notification is awaited, Chief Secretary VB Pathak expressed optimism about the positive developments and the potential benefits for the region.
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