Post-Galwan Tensions Ease: India, China Agree on Direct Flights, Border Trade

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's important visit to China later this month, there has been a major progress in the relations between the two countries. During the two-day visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India, many important issues were agreed upon in bilateral talks, aimed at reducing the tension that has been going on since the military clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020.

The biggest decision in the meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was to resume direct flights suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no specific date has been announced yet. Apart from this, the two countries also agreed to reopen border trade through three important trade points – Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass. Also, there has been an agreement to ease the visa process for tourists, businessmen and other visitors.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides also held detailed discussions on complex issues such as the withdrawal of troops deployed on the Himalayan border and demarcation. The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday saying that it has been agreed to form a new 'working group' for consultation and coordination on border affairs, which will take forward the demarcation talks. This mechanism will also cover the eastern and central parts of the border.

During the talks, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also raised the issue of huge dams being built by China on the Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) river in Tibet. India expressed concern that these dams could have an adverse impact on the downstream states. To this, China has agreed to share emergency hydrological information on the concerned rivers with India on humanitarian grounds.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on 'X' after meeting Wang Yi, "Stable and constructive relations between India and China are important for regional and global peace and prosperity." It is worth noting that PM Modi will visit China for the first time in seven years to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.