Trade concerns, LAC stability top focus in India-China Strategic Dialogue

India and China on Tuesday (February 11, 2026) discussed ways to address trade-related “concerns” and underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in their border areas for overall progress in their relations.

In their talks, Foreign Minister Vikram Misri and his Chinese counterpart Ma Zhaoxu focused primarily on the steps taken by the two sides to stabilize and rebuild bilateral relations, which have come under serious pressure after more than four years of military tensions in eastern Ladakh.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Ma is in India to attend the BRICS Sherpa meeting.

At the meeting held within the framework of the India-China Strategic Dialogue, both sides acknowledged the need for early conclusion of an updated air services agreement.

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said both sides reviewed the “positive momentum” in bilateral ties and discussed ways to further boost ties by improving people-to-people exchanges and “addressing concerns on sensitive issues.”

Although Mr Jaiswal did not elaborate on “sensitive issues”, the Indian side is understood to be concerned about China’s export control measures regarding rare earth minerals.

A note on the Misri-Ma meeting in India said the talks primarily “focused on recent progress in stabilizing and rebuilding bilateral relations and ways to move bilateral relations forward.” “Both sides underlined the importance of peace and tranquility in the border areas for overall progress in bilateral relations”.

“They reaffirmed their determination to implement the guidance provided by their leaders, including the need to move in a political and strategic direction to approach bilateral trade-related issues and concerns,” the statement said.

MEA said Mr. Misri noted the successful resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and hoped for continuous expansion of the scale of the Yatra.

“Both parties recognized the need for early conclusion of an updated air services agreement. The two sides agreed to continue taking practical steps for visa facilitation and to promote people-to-people contacts,” the statement said.

Mr. and Mr. Ma also discussed various regional and international issues.

Beijing says China and India should continue their partnership

Meanwhile, a Chinese statement regarding the meeting noted that China and India should see each other as partners, not rivals, and manage their differences properly.

Over the last few months, India and China have initiated a series of measures to normalize their relations after ending the military conflict along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in October 2024.

(With inputs from PTI and Reuters)