China, India Signal Diplomatic Thaw Amid Talks on Border and Regional Cooperation

 Beijing, June 24 – In a significant move toward stabilizing regional dynamics, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday stated that diplomatic relations between China and India have shown “positive progress” over the past eight months. His remarks came during a meeting with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in Beijing, where Doval is attending a summit of national security advisers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The meeting is viewed as another step in the gradual normalization of ties between Asia’s two largest nations following a period of prolonged tensions, particularly after the deadly border clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020.

“China and India should adhere to the important consensus of being development opportunities for each other and not pose threats to one another,” said Wang. “They should act as partners, not competitors.” He emphasized the value of deepening communication and mutual trust, suggesting that a cooperative approach could unlock a “win-win outcome.” “Only when the dragon and elephant dance together can there be a win-win outcome,” he added, invoking a metaphor often used to describe the potential synergy between the two powers.

Doval, who also serves as India's special representative for the boundary negotiations with China, echoed the sentiment, reaffirming India’s interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation. “India is willing to enhance collaboration with China in multilateral frameworks and fully supports Beijing’s role as rotating chair of the SCO this year,” he said.

The diplomatic engagement builds on the momentum generated by a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan. That dialogue helped lay the groundwork for renewed efforts to manage border tensions and revive broader cooperation.

Wang underscored the need to manage sensitive issues prudently and maintain peace along the disputed border regions. In October last year, both countries agreed to a phased disengagement in high-friction zones and committed to working toward the normalization of relations.

Since then, multiple rounds of military and diplomatic negotiations have helped ease some of the strain, and there is growing interest in revitalizing economic ties. Among the proposals under consideration are the relaxation of visa restrictions for Chinese nationals, reductions in tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and the resumption of direct air connectivity.

In a symbolic gesture of renewed goodwill, a group of Indian pilgrims crossed into Tibet this week for the revered Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, a sacred journey that had been suspended for five years. The resumption of this pilgrimage, which traverses sacred Hindu sites in the Himalayas, is being hailed as a positive indicator of improving ties.

As both nations navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, the current dialogue offers cautious optimism for a more stable and constructive bilateral relationship rooted in mutual respect, regional cooperation, and shared development goals.