India and China agreed to expedite steps involved in resuming direct air services between the two countries and hold talks in the economic and trade areas to discuss and resolve specific issues of concern.
In a meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong reviewed the developments in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Beijing in January this year, and agreed to continue to stabilise and rebuild ties with priority on people-centric engagements, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Chinese Minister is on a two-day official visit to India.
“The two sides agreed to expedite steps involved in resuming direct air services between the two countries. Foreign Secretary hoped for the early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement,” an MEA statement pointed out.
India and China have not had regular flights between the two countries since the Galwan Valley clash between their armed forces in 2020.
The two sides also agreed to take practical steps for visa facilitation and exchanges between media and think-tanks.
Economic relations
In recognition of the importance of cementing economic relations, the two agreed to hold certain functional dialogues, including in the economic and trade areas, to discuss and resolve specific issues of concern.
India, right now, is engaged with China on the issue of export controls imposed by Beijing on supply of rare earth magnets as it is hurting supply chains, especially in the automobile sector.
“The two sides positively assessed the activities planned under the 75th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China and agreed to facilitate the same,” the release said.