India and China Relations: Agree on Special Representatives’ Meeting, Discuss Resuming Direct Flights

India and China have taken significant steps toward normalizing bilateral relations following the disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to discuss the next phase of reconciliation. This meeting marked the first high-level interaction since the two countries completed disengagement at the remaining “friction points” in Demchok and Depsang in late October.

India-China Relations, Normalizing Post -LAC Disengagement 

Both ministers acknowledged the positive impact of the disengagement on maintaining peace and stability along the border. Discussions focused on resuming bilateral mechanisms, including meetings of the Special Representatives on the border issue and senior diplomats. They also deliberated on restoring the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, sharing data on trans-border rivers, restarting direct flights, and facilitating media exchanges. China emphasized the importance of expediting visa processing to enhance connectivity between the nations.

The Indian External Affairs Ministry highlighted the need for stabilizing ties and managing differences, stressing a balanced approach toward cooperation. Jaishankar noted that leaders from both sides had directed early meetings of Special Representatives to advance discussions on contentious issues. He also reiterated the importance of implementing the October 21 agreement on disengagement, which had proceeded smoothly.

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Relations between the two countries had reached their lowest point in six decades following the military standoff in Ladakh in 2020 and the deadly Galwan Valley clash. However, recent agreements, including one between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, have paved the way for reviving mechanisms to address boundary disputes and improve overall relations. Despite differences, Jaishankar acknowledged areas of cooperation in frameworks like BRICS, SCO, and the G20, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement.