In a significant diplomatic development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared that India-China relations are now on a "positive trend" towards greater cooperation, ahead of a high-level meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for Tuesday.

Wang Yi, who arrived in New Delhi on Monday evening, described the current trajectory of the bilateral relationship as "stabilising and improving," underscoring Beijing's desire to reset ties after years of tension.

This visit marks the highest-level Chinese delegation to India since the border clashes in Ladakh's Galwan Valley in 2020

"The relationship between China and India is showing a positive trend. Our cooperation is important not just for our two countries, but for regional and global stability," Wang said in a brief statement to the media.

This visit marks the highest-level Chinese delegation to India since the border clashes in Ladakh's Galwan Valley in 2020, which plunged bilateral ties into a prolonged chill. Since then, diplomatic and military-level talks have been ongoing, albeit with limited breakthroughs.

'Moving Ahead from a Difficult Period' – Jaishankar

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Wang Yi agreed to "move ahead from a difficult period in our ties."

The visit comes amid shifting geopolitical alignments and growing calls from within both governments to "de-risk" bilateral tensions and tap into mutual economic potential

"There are still unresolved issues, especially regarding the border situation, but our conversations today were frank and constructive," Jaishankar said. "We agreed on the need to respect each other's sensitivities and to find ways to manage our differences responsibly."

While economics play the key role in dialogue, border issues were brought about as the Indian side also stressed the importance of restoring peace and tranquillity in border areas as a prerequisite for the normalisation of ties. The border issues were raised by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during the Special Representative Dialogue today.

A Reset in the Making?

While details of the agenda for Wang's meeting with Prime Minister Modi remain undisclosed, diplomatic sources suggest the discussion will touch upon border disengagement, regional security, trade normalisation, and participation in upcoming multilateral summits, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS.

The visit comes amid shifting geopolitical alignments and growing calls from within both governments to "de-risk" bilateral tensions and tap into mutual economic potential.

According to government reports, both countries will resume direct flights this year

Business communities have also welcomed signs of easing tensions. Bilateral trade between India and China, despite political headwinds, reached over $120 billion in 2024.

It is reported that Jaishankar raised the issue of supplies of rare earth minerals, fertilisers with Minister Wang Yi during his visit to China last month.

India also stated that there was no change in India's position on Taiwan. Taiwan maintains its diplomatic presence through the economic and cultural centre in New Delhi.

Jaishankar told his Chinese counterpart that last year, in October, India and China had worked out to de-escalate tensions along the contested border in the upper Himalayan region. While still at loggerheads over China's violation of the Indian border, India took steps to normalise relations.

Further, as it progressed, China opened up to Indian pilgrims to visit key places in the Tibetan Autonomous Region this year. India has also reciprocated by resuming visa services to Chinese tourists and agreed to hold open border trade through designated passes. According to government reports, both countries will resume direct flights this year.

Despite the thaw, many look at the visit with cautious optimism."There is a realisation on both sides that a prolonged standoff is unsustainable," said former Indian Ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale. "What we're seeing is not a breakthrough, but the beginning of a process toward stabilisation."

While no major agreements were signed during Wang Yi's arrival, both sides agreed to maintain dialogue at various levels

The Road Ahead

While no major agreements were signed during Wang Yi's arrival, both sides agreed to maintain dialogue at various levels. A joint working group on border issues is expected to meet again in the coming weeks, with further military disengagement steps on the table.

Wang is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, August 19. Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit China to attend the SCO summit to be held in Tianjin on September 30 to October 1, and it seems that he is also preparing the ground for an individual summit meeting with President Xi Jinping.

Whether this visit marks a true turning point or another cautious diplomatic dance remains to be seen. For now, however, both New Delhi and Beijing appear willing to press the reset button — however gently.

 

Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP's Aviation, SP's Land Forces and SP's Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.