GANGTOK: China and India have taken a significant stride to strengthen their bilateral ties by signing a six-point agreement. This development has made it possible for the border trade in Nathula and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to resume.
Following a five-year break, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval conducted in-depth talks during the 23rd session of Special Representative (SR) talks in Beijing. Rebuilding trust between the two countries was the goal of the discussions, which covered a number of important topics, including cross-border river cooperation.
The importance of this first SR summit since the border violence in 2020 was emphasized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The October 2024 disengagement deal, which has allowed for more patrols and operational activity in the border areas, was reaffirmed during the talks.
Both parties have pledged to improve cooperation and cross-border exchanges. The MEA affirmed their agreement to support cross-border river cooperation, the revival of border trade at Nathula, and Indian pilgrimages to Tibet.
Chief Secretary VB Pathak expressed excitement about the positive developments and the possible benefits for the region while the official notice is expected.
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