India and China on Monday took a significant step in sharing information related to the Himalayas as for the first time they agreed to conduct studies on climatic and environmental changes in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau.

As reported by The Indian Express first, India was keen on engaging China on scientific cooperation in areas such as earthquake research and climate change in the Himalayan ecology. This stems from the concerns in India over transnational rivers like the Bramhaputra and Sutlej.

While rivers is an immediate issue, India felt that there were several other aspects related to the fragile Himalayan ecology that needed to be addressed. In this context, the Chinese willingness to carry out research in the Tibetan plateau could go a long way in building confidence.

The two sides already have an expert-level mechanism on river waters, which has met once so far.

However, more frequent meetings are on the cards. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also listed four areas for scientific research, which included seismic research issues. This was accepted by the Chinese side.

This spirit was also reflected when it came to addressing sensitive political issues in each other’s neighbourhood. While China appreciated

India’s concerns on the situation in Pakistan, New Delhi was quick to reaffirm its position on the question of Taiwan as it supported the One China policy.