India’s Prime Minister and China’s Foreign Minister have expressed satisfaction with the “steady” progress in bilateral ties, agreeing to resume trade, direct flights, and other exchanges, as well as addressing the ongoing Himalayan border dispute, amid a rapidly changing global geopolitical landscape, partly due to Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
China’s foreign ministry reported that both sides have agreed to restart direct flights and journalist visas, as well as promoting business and cultural exchanges.
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, acknowledged mutual respect and sensitivity on social media, while China’s foreign ministry stated that the relationship is on a stable path, emphasizing trust and support.
Despite a tense phase in 2020 due to a deadly border conflict that led to an official death toll of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, the two sides have since held talks and taken de-escalatory steps, and an agreement was made on border patrols.
India’s foreign ministry announced that discussions on de-escalation, delimitation, and boundary affairs took place between Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, and India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval.
Chinese state media reported that both sides agreed on exploring the possibility of advancing negotiations on border demarcation.
India has raised concerns regarding China’s plans to build the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River in Tibet.
The improvement in India-China relations is happening against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s unprecedented trade tariffs, affecting the global order and inciting efforts to stabilize relations.
However, analysts like Sana Hashmi, a fellow at the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation, argue that while Trump’s policies and the perceived reduced US presence in the Indo-Pacific might be influencing India-China rapprochement, fundamental differences and security concerns between the two nations will remain and continue to affect their relations and the regional dynamics.
India’s focus is on managing tensions with China while navigating its relationship with the US. Following his meeting with India, Wang Yi will travel to Pakistan, China’s ally and India’s rival, to further “enhance friendly cooperation.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/20/india-and-china-hail-warming-ties-amid-trump-induced-geopolitical-shake-up
