India and China have agreed to expedite the resumption of direct air services and work towards stabilising and rebuilding their bilateral ties, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.
The announcement followed a meeting between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during his two-day visit to India. The two sides reviewed the progress made since their last talks in Beijing on January 27 and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening people-centric exchanges.
Foreign Secretary Misri expressed appreciation for China’s cooperation in restarting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year.
Both countries agreed to accelerate steps toward restarting direct flights, with India pressing for the early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement. Discussions also covered visa facilitation and enhanced engagement between media and think tanks.
Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, both sides reviewed commemorative activities planned for the year and pledged to support their successful execution.
Additionally, they agreed to hold functional-level dialogues in economic and trade sectors to resolve outstanding concerns and promote mutual interests.
