New Delhi: Notwithstanding growing India–China differences in diplomacy vis-a-vis border issues, India and China held bilateral consultations on UNSC issues on Monday, Feb 9 using the Virtual Teleconferencing Capability (VTC) platform.
The Indian delegation briefed the Chinese side on India’s priorities during its UNSC tenure, an MEA statement said.
Both sides also “agreed to continue their engagement on key issues” on the UNSC agenda.
The Chinese delegation was led by Yang Tao, Director General of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
Prakash Gupta, Joint Secretary (UNP & Summits) led the Indian delegation along with officials from East Asia and UN Economic and Social Divisions of the MEA. Indian officials from the Permanent Mission of India New York and Embassy of India in Beijing were also part of the Indian delegation.
Both sides discussed a wide range of issues on the UNSC agenda, the MEA statement said.
India and China bilateral ties have taken a significant hit in the calendar year 2020 after Galwan clash between two sides.
Both sides have been, however, engaging themselves in both foreign and defence ministries levels. But the interaction and ‘consultation’ now between two sides on the multilateral stage is vital.
However, it may be too early and erroneous to suggest that the UNSC consultancy could mean the start or resumption of normal ties as they were before the LAC row over the intrusion.
