New Delhi, August 14 (HS) : India is preparing to reopen cross-border trade with China at three designated border points, with a formal announcement expected soon.

At a regular media briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to a question regarding Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s upcoming visit to India next week, confirmed that discussions are underway to restart trade through Lipulekh in Uttarakhand, Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh, and Nathu La in Sikkim.

When asked whether Wang Yi’s expected talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval would address border issues and bilateral trade, Mr. Jaiswal said, “We are working with the Chinese side to resume border trade. Once there is concrete progress, further information will be shared.”

The talks come ahead of a possible meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping later this month in Tianjin, China, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. In parallel, direct flights between the two countries are also likely to resume, with necessary operational guidelines already issued to airlines.

India Features on UK’s Deportation List

Mr. Jaiswal also addressed questions on India being included in the UK’s deportation list — seen as a key step towards simplifying the extradition of wanted criminals and individuals with expired immigration status. He said India and the UK are working together to promote lawful migration and curb illegal movement of people, as part of a bilateral Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.

Under this pact, both nations have agreed to repatriate each other’s nationals when their legal right to stay has ended, following due confirmation of nationality. However, deportees will retain the right to appeal their removal even after being sent back.

India Engaged on BRICS Developments

On Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s call for an online BRICS meeting to discuss U.S. tariff policies, Jaiswal reiterated that India, as a BRICS member, remains in touch with partner countries on issues of mutual interest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar