High-level visits, border talks, and discussions on flights and trade mark cautious reset in bilateral ties
India and China, despite their long-standing rivalry, are working to cautiously strengthen ties against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade and foreign policy stance. From talks on resuming direct flights to border negotiations, both nations are making efforts to stabilise relations that had been strained for years, reported reuters.com.
The upcoming engagements signal a thaw following last October’s agreement on border patrolling, which helped reduce friction after the deadly 2020 Himalayan clash. The easing of tensions has opened doors for cooperation in trade, investment, and connectivity.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit New Delhi next week for border talks with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping later this month at the SCO summit in China
Relations are also being shaped by shifting dynamics with Washington. Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian exports—among the steepest faced by any U.S. partner—has pushed New Delhi to recalibrate ties with Beijing. Meanwhile, Washington and Beijing recently agreed to a 90-day tariff truce, further tilting the balance.
Beijing has indicated readiness to resume border trade, describing it as vital for “improving the lives of residents along the border and enhancing exchanges between the two peoples.” China also confirmed it has been in close communication with India to expedite the resumption of direct flights, though New Delhi has yet to confirm details.
The combination of high-level visits, trade discussions, and people-to-people connectivity signals a measured effort by both sides to normalise relations, while navigating geopolitical uncertainty and protecting their regional interests.
