India and China on Tuesday reviewed the state of their bilateral relationship and discussed ways to further advance ties by enhancing people-to-people exchanges, while addressing concerns on “sensitive issues”. Both sides underlined the importance of peace and tranquillity along the border for overall progress in relations.Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held the India–China Strategic Dialogue with China’s Executive Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, who is in New Delhi to participate in the BRICS Sherpa Meeting being held from February 8 to 10.According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two sides took stock of the “positive momentum” in bilateral ties and held wide-ranging discussions covering bilateral, regional and international issues. The bilateral talks primarily focused on recent progress in stabilising and rebuilding relations and on identifying ways to take engagement forward.Both sides underscored that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas remains critical for the development of overall bilateral relations. They reiterated their commitment to implement the guidance provided by their leaders, including the need to approach issues and concerns — such as those related to bilateral trade — from a broader political and strategic perspective.People-to-people exchanges figured prominently in the discussions. Misri highlighted the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and expressed hope for a further expansion in its scale. The two sides also recognised the need for an early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement and agreed to continue taking practical steps to facilitate visas and promote greater people-to-people contact.The dialogue took place on the margins of the BRICS Sherpa Meeting, where India is hosting senior representatives from member countries as part of preparations for BRICS-2026. Both sides discussed multilateral cooperation in this context, with the Chinese side expressing support for a successful BRICS Summit in India. Ma also conveyed that China understands and respects India’s aspirations for membership of the United Nations Security Council.Separately, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was pleased to interact with BRICS-2026 Sherpas and country representatives. As BRICS completes 20 years, he noted, the grouping had emerged as a valuable platform for international cooperation, consultation and coordination.Jaishankar said he valued the suggestions and perspectives shared by different delegations to advance India’s BRICS 2026 priorities of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, with a strong people-centric focus.