Beijing/New Delhi. The Second India-China Maritime Affairs Dialogue was held in Beijing, China on July 13.

The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs), in the Ministry of External Affairs while the Chinese delegation was led by Mr Wu Jianghao, Director General at the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

The two sides exchanged views on various topics of mutual interest, including perspectives on maritime security and cooperation, blue economy, and further strengthening of practical cooperation.

The Indian side also elaborated on India’s vision forthe Indo-Pacific region as articulated in Prime Minister Modi’s keynote address at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Both sides underlined the importance of this Dialogue as an important mechanism between the two countries for consultations on maritime issues.

They emphasized the need to further strengthen maritime cooperation as an important area of India-China bilateral relations, and asa platform to strengthen political and strategic mutual trust between the two countries.

During the visit, the Indian delegation also called on Mr. Kong Xuanyou, Vice-Foreign Minister of China.

Both sides agreed to hold the next round of the Dialogue at a mutually convenient time in India.