BEIJING – China and India are preparing for another round of high-level diplomatic engagement aimed at easing their long-standing border tensions and strengthening bilateral relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who arrived in India on Monday for a three-day visit, his first in over three years will lead the talks.
According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang, who also serves as Beijing’s special representative on the boundary question, will co-chair the 24th round of boundary negotiations alongside Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. This marks only the second major meeting on the issue since the violent clashes of 2020 that pushed ties to their lowest point in decades. The previous round, held in Beijing in December, resulted in a six-point agreement to advance dialogue, improve border management, and expand cooperation.
Since the meeting of Chinese and Indian leaders in Kazan, Russia, last October, the two countries have intensified communication at various levels, taking incremental steps to stabilize ties. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian emphasized last week that Beijing is ready to work with New Delhi to implement the understandings reached by their leaders, deepen political trust, broaden cooperation, and properly manage differences to promote steady and sustainable bilateral relations.
This year holds added significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and India. In recent months, both sides have also advanced economic and cultural exchanges. Wang met Doval in Beijing in June and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in July, with both sides agreeing to use the anniversary as an opportunity to expand practical cooperation and safeguard stability in border regions.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that efforts are underway to resume trade through three designated border points. The two countries are also working to restore direct flight connections which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic as early as next month, with a formal announcement expected at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin later this month.
Cultural engagement has seen progress as well. Earlier this year, China permitted Indian pilgrims to visit the Xizang autonomous region, while India restarted tourist visa issuance for Chinese nationals in July.
Wang’s visit also comes ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the upcoming SCO Summit. Analysts suggest that amid growing economic pressure on India from U.S. tariffs, both Beijing and New Delhi have strong incentives to strengthen cooperation under multilateral frameworks such as the SCO, which could also bolster Global South solidarity.
Lin Minwang, a professor at Fudan University’s Institute of International Studies, observed that the ongoing high-level talks indicate a gradual thaw in China-India ties. He noted that easing border tensions could pave the way for broader cooperation in trade, investment, and culture. “Given India’s demographic strengths, economic momentum, and influence in multilateral platforms, fostering a healthier relationship between the two countries not only serves their interests but also carries significant global implications,” Lin said.
At the same time, experts caution that uncertainties remain. They stress that both nations must continue to enhance engagement on bilateral and multilateral fronts to steer their relationship toward long-term stability and constructive growth.
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