India, China talk terror, connectivity

Extensive discussions on terrorism, as well as other priority areas related to the foreign policy involving the two Asian giants, have taken place between India and China. Though it was unclear whether there was any discussion regarding India seeking a ban on JeM head Maulana Masood Azhar in the UN, MEA sources indicated that New Delhi will take up the issue with Beijing at an appropriate forum. The interaction, held on February 24, is part of the long-standing mechanism between the two countries. “A Chinese delegation led by Wang Yajun, director-general in the ministry of foreign affairs, travelled to Delhi for the dialogue. The talks were led on the Indian side by Santosh Jha, joint secretary. The two sides had a productive exchange of views and perspectives on the foreign policy priorities of their respective countries, their relations with the major powers of the world, issues of global governance, terrorism, connectivity in Asia, etc,” the ministry said in a release.

The dialogue helped enhance the understanding between both foreign ministries on these important issues, it added. It was the sixth round of such dialogue between the two countries.