India, China discuss ways to move ties to ‘predictable path’, Pg 10

Key Highlights

Recent Diplomatic Engagements

• India and China held dialogue in Beijing to resume people-to-people exchanges and explore direct flights and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Step-by-Step Normalisation

• Talks aimed at moving relations towards a “more stable and predictable path.”

• Followed up from leaders’ meeting in October 2024.

Boundary Dialogue

• Special Representatives (SR) on boundary issues have held 23 meetings.

• NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese FM Wang Yi led recent SR-level discussions in December 2024.

Context

• Tensions have existed since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.

• Emphasis now is on a calibrated and phased restoration of ties.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Continued engagement at multiple levels (SR, ministerial, diplomatic) is essential to stabilise bilateral ties.

• Confidence-building measures, resolution of Line of Actual Control (LAC) friction points, and economic cooperation can aid trust restoration.

Mains Mock Question:

_"India-China relations have oscillated between cooperation and confrontation. Examine the importance of recent diplomatic efforts in ensuring stability and predictability."_