Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit China on January 26 and 27 for discussions with his counterpart, the Vice Minister of China, as part of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared details of the visit during a media briefing.
Responding to queries about the agenda, Jaiswal stated that “all issues of bilateral interest will be discussed.” He mentioned that the meeting is in line with previous engagements between the leaders of the two countries. Meetings at the level of special representatives and foreign ministers have already taken place, and this mechanism serves as a continuation of those discussions. Jaiswal noted that specific details of the issues addressed would be shared after the meeting.
When asked about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Jaiswal confirmed that it would also be part of the discussions, along with other matters of mutual interest.
The MEA has outlined that this bilateral mechanism stems from agreements at the leadership level to further explore steps in various areas of cooperation, including political, economic, and cultural interactions. The mechanism is aimed at strengthening India-China relations while addressing ongoing concerns.
In October 2024, India and China agreed on patrolling arrangements for the Depsang Plains and Demchok regions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This agreement followed prior disengagement efforts at other points in eastern Ladakh, achieved through diplomatic and military discussions.
In December 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Parliament that disengagement measures had created a pathway for improved ties between the two nations. Earlier, on October 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan. Discussions included resolving border issues from 2020 and emphasizing the need to manage differences to maintain peace.
Additionally, Special Representatives of both nations, Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor, and Wang Yi, a senior Chinese official and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held talks in Beijing on December 18 to address areas of mutual concern.
Further updates on the outcome of the Foreign Secretary’s visit will be provided after the meeting concludes. (ANI)
