"India to Strengthen Cross-Border Cooperation with China: MEA"

India announced plans to work closely with China to enhance cross-border cooperation and address pending issues, as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on  Friday. The statement follows a high-level meeting in Beijing between India’s National  Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, marking the first in-person talks in five years. 

Key Topics Discussed 
During the discussions, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing  dialogue on critical issues, including: 
● The resumption of the Kailash Man Sarovar Yatra. 
● Improved data sharing on cross-border rivers. 
● Steps to normalise trade relations. 
A significant focus was de-escalating tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC)  and building mutual trust. Both countries emphasised maintaining peace at the border and creating a conducive environment for cooperation. 
Kailash Man Sarovar Yatra and Trade Revival
The MEA highlighted the potential resumption of the Kailash Man Sarovar Yatra, suspended since 2020 due to pandemic-related restrictions and the standoff at the LAC. The initiative symbolises people-to-people connectivity and spiritual ties between the two nations. 
In addition, talks centred on restoring trade and cross-border exchanges, which have been affected by geopolitical tensions. 
A Framework for Peace 
Ajit Doval and Wang Yi agreed to accelerate efforts for the peaceful management of border disputes. They discussed the "five-point consensus" reached by the foreign ministers of both nations in 2020, reaffirming its relevance in achieving a long-term resolution. 
“Both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to exploring acceptable frameworks for the settlement of boundary issues,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. 
India Lodges Protest with Bangladesh 
In a related development, India strongly protested a controversial social media post by a senior Bangladeshi government official, claiming Indian territories. MEA  spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India has taken up the issue with Dhaka, emphasising its commitment to maintaining historical and territorial accuracy.