India and China: Mending Fences Amid Border and Trade Talks

In a significant diplomatic development, India and China have agreed to renew direct flights and enhance trade ties, as both nations work toward mending relations strained by past conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic. This move comes amidst U.S. President Donald Trump's unpredictable foreign policy initiatives, prompting the Asian neighbors to cautiously improve bilateral ties.

Despite suspending direct flights since 2020, the countries are setting the stage for economic rejuvenation by reopening border trade at designated points and facilitating visa processes. These agreements were announced following Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to New Delhi, signaling a potential thaw in the decades-old border dispute after talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Discussions also touched upon the controversial mega dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet. This project, crucial to downstream water supplies in India and Bangladesh, prompted demands for transparency and information sharing concerning hydrological data. Amid these diplomatic strides, the promise of stable China-India relations offers hope for regional prosperity.

(With inputs from agencies.)