China says it respects India’s UNSC aspirations during strategic talks in New Delhi

China has conveyed that it understands and respects India’s aspiration for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), even as both sides stressed that maintaining peace along the border remains vital for stabilising bilateral relations, as per reports. 

The issue was discussed during the India–China Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi, led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on the Indian side and China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. Ma is in India to attend the BRICS Sherpa Meeting from February 8 to 10, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The MEA said the two sides exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. Discussions on bilateral ties focused on recent steps taken to stabilise relations and on exploring ways to move the relationship forward after a prolonged period of strain.

Both delegations underlined that peace and tranquility in the border areas are essential for the overall development of India–China relations. They reiterated their commitment to implementing the guidance provided by their respective leaders, including approaching issues relating to trade from a broader political and strategic perspective.

During the talks, the Foreign Secretary noted the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and expressed hope that the scale of the pilgrimage could be expanded in the future. The two sides also recognised the need to conclude an updated Air Services Agreement at an early date and agreed to continue taking practical steps to facilitate visas and strengthen people-to-people exchanges, the MEA said.

Multilateral cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, particularly in the context of India’s BRICS chairmanship this year. The Chinese side expressed support for the successful hosting of the BRICS Summit in India, the statement added.