In a significant move towards strengthening bilateral relations, China and India have agreed to resume direct flights between the Chinese mainland and India. The agreement was reached during a meeting held in Beijing on Monday between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri.
The meeting, part of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between the two nations, focused on implementing the common understandings reached between Chinese and Indian leaders at their meeting in Kazan. Discussions centered on measures to improve and develop China-India relations, signaling a renewed commitment to cooperation and mutual growth.
Both sides reached consensus on several key initiatives:
- Supporting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): India expressed its willingness to fully support China's role as the rotating chair of the SCO and pledged active participation in various activities under the SCO framework.
- Enhancing Strategic Communication: The two countries agreed to utilize bilateral and multilateral platforms to engage in active interactions at all levels, aiming to strengthen strategic communication and enhance political mutual trust.
- Commemorating Diplomatic Ties: China and India will jointly celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025. Plans include media and think tank exchanges, Track II dialogues, and various people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
- Resuming Direct Flights and Facilitating Exchanges: Emphasizing the importance of connectivity, both sides agreed to resume direct flights, support coordination between competent departments, and take measures to facilitate personnel exchanges and mutual dispatch of journalists.
- Promoting Pilgrimage to Xizang: The two nations agreed to promote the resumption of pilgrimages by Indian pilgrims to the sacred mountain and lake of Xizang in China in 2025, with negotiations on relevant arrangements to commence soon.
- Cooperating on Cross-Border Rivers: China and India will continue cooperation on cross-border rivers and maintain communication to hold a new round of meetings of the expert-level mechanism on this issue.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong emphasized the importance of acting in the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. He urged both sides to adopt a strategic and long-term perspective in handling China-India relations, promote dialogue and practical cooperation, and guide public opinion towards a positive direction. The aim is to enhance trust, remove suspicions, properly handle differences, and advance the relationship along a sound and stable path.
The meeting concluded with both sides engaging in a candid and in-depth exchange of views on issues of respective concern, highlighting the commitment to open communication and mutual understanding.
This development marks a hopeful turn in China-India relations, with direct flights expected to boost economic ties, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections between the two neighboring countries.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
