India and China have agreed to build on the momentum provided by the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India in September last year to further expand bilateral relations in areas such as railways, smart cities, vocational education, skill development, clean and renewable energy and in the manufacturing sector.

This was agreed to after the 18th round of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China on the Boundary Question. Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor, and Yang Jiechi, State Councillor, led the discussions which were held here yesterday, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

This was the first round of Special Representatives’ talks after the Narendra Modi-led government assumed office.

Both sides agreed that growing linkages between Indian states and Chinese provinces through the sister-city and sister-province mechanism plays an important role in deepening bilateral ties. The two Special Representatives emphasised the importance of high-level exchanges for strengthening bilateral ties. The talks were held ahead of Modi’s visit to China.

The dates for the visit have not yet been announced although Xi had extended an invitation to the Indian Prime Minister to visit China during his visit here.

India and China also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to enhance their consultations on counter-terrorism, maritime security, climate change, reform of the United Nation and civil nuclear energy cooperation, the statement adds.

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