Chinese and Indian Foreign Ministers Meet Again After Over a Month

More than a month has passed since their last encounter. According to China’s Foreign Ministry, on August 18 local time, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi.

The two sides discussed a wide range of topics, including bilateral relations, boundary issues, trade and economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

During his three-day visit, Wang Yi will also attend the 24th meeting of the Special Representatives on the China-India boundary question and is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Observers view the Chinese foreign minister’s trip to India and the intensive high-level engagements as a continued effort by both countries to improve relations and rebuild trust, marking the latest progress in steadily easing tensions.

  Foreign ministers’ meeting sends a positive signal  

Key Takeaways from the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s readout show that the two Foreign Ministers held an in-depth exchange on the trajectory, positioning and future direction of China-India relations and reached broad consensus.

On the current momentum
Both sides gave a positive assessment.

Wang Yi noted that President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi’s successful meeting in Kazan had steered the relationship back on track. “Exchanges and dialogues at all levels are gradually resuming and peace and tranquility are being maintained in the border areas,” he said, adding that ties are returning to the “main channel of cooperation.”

S. Jaishankar said that, guided by the two leaders, India-China ties have moved out of the doldrums and are steadily improving, with exchanges and cooperation in various fields returning to normal. He also thanked China for facilitating Indian pilgrims’ travel to sacred sites in Tibet.

On strategic perception
The two sides found common ground.

Wang Yi stressed that both countries should “form a correct strategic perception, regarding each other as partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats,” and explore a path of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between neighboring major countries.

Jaishankar agreed, underlining that improving strategic perception is vital and that a stable, cooperative and forward-looking India-China relationship serves the interests of both nations.

On the way forward
Both expressed optimism and offered constructive proposals.

Wang Yi called for firm confidence, joint efforts to remove disruptions, expanded cooperation and consolidation of the positive momentum.

Jaishankar said India is ready to use the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties to deepen political trust, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and other fields, promote people-to-people exchanges and jointly safeguard peace in the border areas. He pledged India’s full support for China’s hosting of the SCO Tianjin Summit.

Notably, Jaishankar described the talks as “fruitful,” adding that the two sides had “fruitful discussions” on trade, pilgrimage, civil exchanges, river-data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral cooperation.

Observers see the meeting as sending a series of positive signals: affirming the progress made in improving relations, recognizing the importance of correct strategic perception, consolidating the consensus on maintaining border peace, agreeing to sustain the warming trend, and voicing a shared desire to strengthen cooperation.

  What to talk about?  

Indian public opinion points out that the two sides are expected to discuss issues such as the border situation, trade, and the resumption of direct flights.

Regarding the border situation, how to reduce troop deployments along the disputed border is considered a key agenda item. If this issue can be resolved, it would mark significant progress in restoring trust between the two countries.

Additionally, the two sides will also discuss a mutually acceptable framework for resolving the border issue.

In terms of border trade, the two sides are negotiating the resumption of cross-border trade.

Along the Himalayan border, China and India have three designated border trade points for the exchange of goods such as spices, carpets, wooden furniture, electrical appliances, and wool.

It is widely believed that although cross-border trade between the two sides has been suspended for five years due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and border conflicts, and while the volume of border trade is limited, it plays a role in improving the livelihoods of people in the border areas. Once resumed, it would not only have practical significance but also symbolic meaning, indicating that the warming of diplomatic relations between China and India has entered a new stage.

The resumption of direct flights is expected to be implemented as early as next month. Previously, both countries have already eased visa policies. If direct flights resume, personnel exchanges and non-governmental interactions between China and India will gain further momentum.

Some commentators in India have pointed out that although progress toward a final resolution has been slow, discussions on the border issue are crucial for preventing escalation and managing border frictions. They also create opportunities and space for cooperation in trade, investment, and multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

  Is meeting Modi the "main event"?  

The Chinese Foreign Minister is expected to brief Modi on the agenda of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and the latest developments in China-India relations.

In the eyes of many observers, a key objective of Wang Yi’s visit is to prepare for Modi’s first visit to China in seven years, including coordinating with the Indian Foreign Minister on the agenda for the meeting between the two leaders.

Some commentators in India have pointed out that the tight schedule highlights the importance both governments attach to Wang Yi’s visit. This trip to India could set the tone for Modi’s potential visit to China and even influence the future trajectory of India-China relations.

“A series of meetings are aimed at advancing border negotiations and building trust between India and China,” said Swasti Rao, an expert in international affairs at O.P. Jindal Global University.

Some analysts believe that the Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit to India marks the ongoing efforts by both countries to rebuild their relationship. Wang Yi’s series of high-level talks with Indian officials demonstrates that both sides value improving bilateral relations, show sincerity in engaging in candid dialogue, and seek to enhance mutual trust and rebuild confidence through frequent interactions.

  U.S. Watches China-India Interactions Closely  

It is noteworthy that the United States has also been closely monitoring the frequent interactions between China and India over a period of time, tending to believe that it was the "mismanagement" of the Trump administration that pushed India into China's embrace.

Former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton warned that Trump's policies could drive India closer to Russia and China as a hedge against the effects of tariffs.

An article on the U.S. website "Geopolitical Economy Report" pointed out that while the United States has been attempting to draw India into its new cold war against China, the Trump administration's tariff policies backfired, prompting New Delhi to improve relations with Beijing and strengthening the unity and cooperation within the BRICS grouping.

In this regard, some analysts have noted that the U.S. imposition of excessive tariffs has made India recognize the limitations of the U.S.-India relationship, leading to a recalibration of its foreign policy. India is shifting from its previous pro-U.S. stance back to a more balanced diplomacy based on strategic autonomy. In the future, New Delhi is expected to place greater emphasis on developing relations with other countries, including China.

It is reported that following Wang Yi's visit to India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will visit Russia from August 21 to 23.

Some commentators also believe that changes in India-U.S. relations are only a secondary factor. The China-India relationship itself contains an inherent momentum for improvement, with both sides moving toward each other and gradually returning to a healthy and stable development track. However, for China-India relations to progress steadily and sustainably, they must still overcome deep-seated issues such as structural contradictions and strategic perception gaps. Meanwhile, the cooling of U.S.-India relations may remain at a tactical level and is far from reaching a strategic shift.