India, China agree to hold ‘functional talks’ on trade, eco

New Delhi: India and China have agreed to hold talks to discuss and resolve specific issues of concern, especially in the areas of economics and trade, during the visit of the vice foreign minister of China, Sun Weidong. They will also work towards expediting resumption of direct flights. Sources said the issue of rare earth metal supplies that have been hit by Chinese export controls was also raised by the Indian side during the talks.

“The two sides agreed to hold certain functional dialogues, including in the areas of economic and trade, to discuss and resolve specific issues of concern,” it said. Earlier, the MEA said it remains in touch with China on supply chain concerns.

“The Chinese Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs, in early April, announced its decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth related items. We remain in touch with the Chinese side in Beijing and in Delhi, to bring predictability in supply chains for trade consistent with international practices,” the spokesman said on Thursday.

Misri appreciated China’s cooperation for the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year. He also hoped for continued progress of the Expert Level Mechanism for cooperation in trans-border rivers that has been working towards resumption of provision of hydrological data.

On direct air services, Misri expressed hope for an early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed to take practical steps for visa facilitation and exchanges between the media and think-tanks.