NEW DELHI: To rebuild trust and stabilize a relationship often marked by challenges, Indiaโs Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing on January 26-27, 2025. His discussions with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong under the Foreign Secretary-Vice Foreign Minister mechanism signals a cautious yet optimistic step toward rekindling ties between the two Asian giants.
This visit, a follow-up to the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October, aimed to focus on people-centric measures that could lay the groundwork for stronger bilateral relations. Key outcomes of the visit are multifold.
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For many Indian devotees, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is more than a journeyโit is a spiritual aspiration. After a prolonged pause, both nations have agreed to resume the yatra in the summer of 2025. While the finer details will be worked out by a dedicated mechanism.
Water, often a source of contention between neighbours, took centre stage during the discussions. The two sides agreed to hold an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism to address issues related to hydrological data sharing and cooperation on trans-border rivers.
Equally significant was the decision to resume direct air services between the two countries. The move, aimed at enhancing connectivity, promises to bring people, businesses, and ideas closer once technical authorities finalize the framework.
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Economic ties, often a barometer of bilateral relations, also found space in the dialogue. Concerns related to trade imbalances and policy transparency were discussed, with both sides agreeing to address these issues gradually through resumed functional exchanges.
Foreign Secretary Misriโs visit was not limited to the mechanism meeting. He met with influential Chinese leaders, including Wang Yi, a Politburo Member and Foreign Minister, and Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China. These interactions underline the importance both nations place on maintaining open channels of communication at the highest levels.
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While this visit has set a positive tone, the road to fully mended ties remains long and complex. The decisions made during these discussionsโwhether resuming pilgrimages, restoring air connectivity, or addressing economic concernsโreflect a shared recognition of the need to move forward.
For ordinary citizens on both sides, these steps could mean more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and understand each other. As 2025 unfolds, it remains to be seen whether these measures will translate into lasting goodwill.
In a world increasingly defined by competition and shifting alliances, the India-China relationship is one to watch. And for now, at least, there is reason for cautious optimism.
