In a significant diplomatic development, Chinese envoy Xu Feihong presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu, marking the official beginning of his tenure as the Chinese ambassador to India. This ceremony, which also saw the presentation of credentials by six other envoys, took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Xu Feihong’s appointment comes at a critical juncture as India-China relations face significant challenges, particularly due to the ongoing military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), now in its fifth year. The new British high commissioner, Lindy Elizabeth Cameron, and envoys from five other countries were also part of this credential presentation ceremony.
Upon his arrival in India earlier this month, Xu expressed his commitment to fostering deeper understanding and friendship between India and China, emphasizing the need to restore cooperation across various sectors. He reiterated China’s stance that the border issue should be addressed within the broader context of bilateral relations.
However, India has emphasized the importance of restoring peace and tranquility on the LAC as a prerequisite for normalizing overall bilateral relations. Despite numerous rounds of diplomatic and military talks, unresolved “friction points” at locations like Depsamg and Demchok continue to challenge the relationship.
For Ambassador Cameron, one of her key priorities will be advancing efforts to finalize an India-UK free trade agreement (FTA). Negotiations for the FTA began in 2022 but have faced hurdles related to tariffs, market access, and mobility of professionals.
The other envoys who presented their credentials alongside Xu Feihong and Cameron include representatives from New Zealand, Ecuador, Kuwait, Guinea, and Fiji. Each envoy brings their own agenda and priorities to their diplomatic roles, contributing to the complex and dynamic landscape of international relations in the region.
Sources By Agencies
