India-China strategic dialogue focuses on trade, LAC stability

India and China on Tuesday engaged in the India-China Strategic Dialogue to address trade concerns and strengthen peace and stability along their shared border. The talks were led by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, who is visiting India to participate in the BRICS Sherpa meeting. The discussions focused on stabilising and rebuilding bilateral ties, which had been under strain following the four-year military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as a prerequisite for broader progress in bilateral relations. They also reiterated their commitment to implement guidance provided by their leaders and to address trade and other sensitive issues from a political and strategic perspective. While details on these issues were limited, India has raised concerns over China’s export control measures on rare earth minerals. @@@