By The Bharat Brief
For decades, India and China have shared a relationship marked by cooperation, competition, and confrontation. The Galwan Valley clashes of June 2020 represented the lowest point in recent memory, where both sides not only lost soldiers but also trust. Since then, relations froze, diplomacy stalled, and both nations hardened their positions across the disputed Himalayan frontier.
But this week, the narrative seemed to shift. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in New Delhi for a two-day visit, meeting Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. His message was simple yet striking: “India and China should be partners, not adversaries.”
The timing of this statement is critical. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to travel to China later this month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit his first visit in seven years the diplomatic overtures could set the stage for a potential reset. Yet, the big question remains: Is this genuine rapprochement, or a tactical move shaped by shifting geopolitics?
The Background: Galwan and Its Aftermath
In June 2020, clashes in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and an unconfirmed number of Chinese troops. The incident was the deadliest in 45 years between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. What followed was a complete breakdown in trust: border talks froze, trade relations suffered, visas were halted, and both sides reinforced their military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Galwan was not just a border skirmish; it was a turning point. For India, it reaffirmed skepticism about China’s intentions. For Beijing, it was a reminder that India is not a pushover, especially at a time when China faces pushback globally. The bitterness that followed could not be papered over by economic ties alone.
Wang Yi’s Visit: Key Takeaways
During his two-day stay, Wang Yi met Jaishankar, Doval, and is scheduled to meet PM Modi. His message was conciliatory:
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Border Stability: He claimed that stability has been restored at the borders, suggesting a step forward in disengagement arrangements.
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Trade & Connectivity: Talks included reviving trade routes, expanding river data sharing, and discussing border trade through designated passes.
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Pilgrimages: China has allowed Indian pilgrims to access key religious sites in Tibet a symbolic gesture to restore people-to-people ties.
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Flights & Tourism: Reports suggest that direct flights between the two countries may resume, alongside the reopening of visa services.
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SCO Summit Preparations: Wang Yi’s visit appears to be laying the groundwork for Modi’s potential bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO.
The optics suggest normalization. But beneath the surface, India remains cautious.
India’s Cautious Optimism
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that the two countries are trying to “move ahead from a difficult period.” His tone was pragmatic acknowledging the importance of dialogue, while also not overstating progress. India’s position has consistently been that normalization of ties cannot occur unless the border situation stabilizes.
Yet, India has allowed some flexibility. Resumption of visas, trade discussions, and religious pilgrimages point towards a willingness to engage. This reflects India’s pragmatic approach: engagement where possible, but vigilance where necessary.
The US Factor: Changing Equations
Interestingly, this thaw in India–China ties comes just as India’s relationship with the US faces turbulence.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% penalty on Indian imports due to Delhi’s continued oil and weapons trade with Russia. The tariffs, now totaling 50%, are the highest imposed on any Asian nation.
Additionally, White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro openly criticized India in The Financial Times, accusing Delhi of “cosying up” to Moscow and Beijing. He wrote: “If India wants to be treated as a strategic partner of the U.S., it needs to start acting like one.”
For New Delhi, this raises uncomfortable questions. The US has been championed as India’s strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific. Yet, Washington’s unilateral economic actions undermine that trust. At the same time, Beijing long painted as an adversary is extending the hand of partnership.
This creates space for India to recalibrate its diplomacy.
Multipolar Asia: India’s Vision
Jaishankar emphasized in his remarks that India seeks a “fair, balanced, and multipolar world order, including a multipolar Asia.” This phrase is not accidental. It signals India’s commitment to strategic autonomy the idea that New Delhi will not align permanently with any one power bloc, whether Washington or Beijing.
By engaging China even as it faces pressure from the US, India is demonstrating classic hedging behavior. It wants to keep options open, ensuring that no single power dominates its strategic landscape.
What’s Driving China?
From Beijing’s perspective, outreach to India is not purely goodwill. Several factors are at play:
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Economic Pressure: China’s economy is under strain, with slowing growth and weakening global demand. Restoring trade with India could provide some relief.
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Geopolitical Balancing: With its relations with the West deteriorating, Beijing may want to prevent India from sliding too far into the US camp.
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Regional Stability: Ahead of the SCO summit, China wants to project leadership in Asia by showcasing its ability to mend ties with rivals.
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Russia Factor: Both India and China are key partners of Russia. Cooperation among the three helps counterbalance Western dominance.
The Risks for India
Despite the optimistic tone, India cannot ignore the risks:
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Trust Deficit: The shadow of Galwan still looms large. One visit cannot erase years of mistrust.
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Border Disputes: While Wang Yi claims stability, ground realities remain fragile with troops still deployed in large numbers.
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China–Pakistan Axis: Beijing continues to deepen its ties with Pakistan, including in sensitive defense sectors.
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Economic Leverage: China remains one of India’s largest trading partners, creating dependencies that can be strategically risky.
The Road Ahead: Reset or Tactical Pause?
The coming weeks will be critical. If Modi indeed travels to China and meets Xi Jinping, it would mark the highest-level political engagement in years. That could pave the way for new agreements on border disengagement, economic revival, and regional cooperation.
Yet, both sides know that this is not a reset based on trust it is a reset born of necessity. For India, US tariffs and global uncertainties create an incentive to diversify partnerships. For China, slowing growth and diplomatic isolation push it to mend fences with neighbors.
The reality is this: India and China are bound by geography but divided by history. Their relationship will always be a mix of competition and cooperation. What we are witnessing may not be a permanent thaw, but rather a tactical pause a recognition by both that confrontation serves neither side.
Conclusion
India–China ties have often oscillated between warmth and hostility. Today, they appear to be entering yet another phase cautious engagement after years of hostility. Wang Yi’s call for “partnership” may be genuine or opportunistic, but it reflects a broader reality: in an uncertain world, even rivals must talk.
For India, the challenge is to engage China without compromising security, sovereignty, or strategic autonomy. For China, the challenge is to prove that its words of partnership can be trusted.
The coming Modi-Xi meeting at the SCO summit could be historic or it could be another missed opportunity. Either way, the world will be watching closely.
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