Several top officials from both sides, including those

in-charge of nuclear disarmament issues, were present at the talks indicating that both sides will be discussing India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) besides other issues.

The talks were being held in the backdrop of vocal differences between the two countries on a host of issues including India's concern over the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing's reluctance to back India's application to join the NSG and the UN ban on Azhar.

The strategic dialogue was upgraded during Chinese Foreign Minister Yi's visit to New Delhi last year. China has deputed Zhang, also the head of the influential Communist Party of China (CPC) committee of the Chinese Foreign Ministry to co-chair the talks.

Ahead of today's talks Jaishankar, who formerly worked as India s Ambassador to China, met China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi yesterday and held talks with him on the critical issues bedevilling the bilateral ties.

During their talks, both Yang and Jaishankar expressed strong commitment to develop positive relations despite differences.

Yang, who is the State Councillor and Beijing's Special Representative for border talks between India and China, had said despite differences, relations between the two sides had a positive growth last year.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)