Context: India’s Foreign Secretary is on a visit to China and has met the Chinese Foreign Minister in order to repair ties with China. The countries plan to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations with celebratory events, focusing on reducing mutual suspicion and estrangement.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims & Mains: Latest diplomatic developments between India & China.
Background:
- Since 2020, direct flights, visas, pilgrimages, and other exchanges were suspended, after COVID-19 pandemic and military stand-off along the LAC, including the Galwan incident (June 2020).
- During a series of Meetings between NSA and Foreign Minister Since October 2024, disengagement, de-escalation, and de-induction of troops were identified as essential steps:
- Since then, disengagement has been completed in areas of Depsang Plains and Demchok.
- De-escalation and de-induction are pending, with large troop deployments (50,000-60,000) still in place on both sides.
Key Takeaways from the Visit
After the recent negotiations to end to the military stand-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India and China agreed to concrete measures in the following areas:
- Resumption of flights and pilgrimages: India and China agreed to resume direct flights, visas, and the Mansarovar Yatra for pilgrims by summer 2025.
- The Kailash Mansarovar yatra involves a visit to mount Kailash and Mansarovar lake in Tibet.
- Trans-border rivers and hydrological data: Both sides agreed to revive discussions on trans-border rivers (Brahmaputra and Sutlej) and resume sharing hydrological data, which China had withheld for years.
- Economic & trade discussions:
- Talks were held on resumption of trade via Nathu La pass (connects Sikkim to Tibet).
- The two sides addressed restrictions and concerns in economic relations, which include:
- India’s concerns: India’s concerns about restrictions on pharmaceutical ingredients, high-tech exports, and critical equipment from China.
- China's complaints: China has persistently complained regarding India’s investment policies, issuance of business visa to Chinese nationals and raids on Chinese telecom companies which has become an irritant in relationship.
- China's Wishlist for normalising ties: Beijing has outlined specific demands to fully normalise the ties which include:
- Resumption of direct flights.
- Easing visa curbs for Chinese nationals (diplomats and scholars).
- Lifting bans on Chinese mobile apps.
- Allowing Chinese journalists to report from India.
- Screening more Indian movies in Chinese theatres.