Image Source: X
The past three days have been crucial for India-China ties, marking what many see as a big breakthrough in resetting relations after years of tension and military standoff along the border.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who visited India from August 18, wrapped up his trip after high-level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
During these talks, Wang Yi said both countries should view each other as “partners and opportunities” and bring “much-needed certainty and stability” to the world. He added that India and China must “put each other’s precious resources into development and revitalisation.” The Chinese ministry’s statement further emphasized that both nations should explore “the right path of treating each other with mutual respect and trust, living in peace, pursuing development together and achieving win–win cooperation.”
Prime Minister Modi underlined the need to maintain peace along the border and reiterated India’s commitment to a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution” of boundary disputes. He also expressed his intention to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin on August 31.
The highlight of Wang Yi’s visit was a fresh agreement between India and China to address the long-standing border issue. Both countries decided to set up two new groups—one to “explore early harvest in boundary delimitation” and another to “maintain peace and tranquillity” along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Wang Yi and NSA Ajit Doval agreed on five key steps, including the need to “take a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship” and to work towards a framework in line with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles.
For the first time, India accepted discussions on China’s “early harvest” proposal, which it had earlier rejected. The concept was introduced in 2017 by Chinese officials and sought a new India-China agreement to replace the 1890 Britain-China treaty, focusing first on the Sikkim sector.
Additionally, both nations agreed to create new General Level Mechanisms for the Eastern and Middle Sectors, expanding beyond the existing Western Sector, with de-escalation measures to follow.
In another significant move, Beijing agreed to remove restrictions on the export of fertilisers, rare earth minerals, and tunnel boring machines to India. According to Economic Times, shipments have already resumed.
This comes after India flagged fertilizer shortages that had hit crop production and raised concerns about stalled infrastructure projects due to withheld tunnel boring machines. Similarly, industries in electronics and automobiles had warned of risks caused by the lack of rare earth supplies.
Wang Yi’s assurances signal a softening of China’s approach, especially as both nations face challenges from US trade restrictions and tariffs.
Both governments announced that direct flights between India and China would resume after being suspended since 2020 due to the pandemic. Although no exact date was given, the move is seen as a step towards restoring normal ties.
They also agreed to ease visa processes for tourists, businesspeople, media, and other travelers. Border trade through Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass, and Nathu La Pass will reopen, while both sides pledged concrete measures to facilitate trade and investment.
India and China also agreed to support each other in celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2025. Additionally, China promised to back India’s hosting of the 2026 BRICS Summit, while India will support China’s hosting in 2027.
Despite the progress, some contentious issues remain. India raised concerns about China’s construction of a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river, warning of potential risks to downstream states. India called for “utmost transparency” regarding such projects.
On security, India strongly reiterated its opposition to cross-border terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “The Indian side strongly raised the issue of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.” Wang Yi agreed that countering terrorism “should be given the highest priority.”
Although Wang Yi’s visit has led to several confidence-building steps, hurdles remain. Beijing’s close ties with Pakistan continue to concern India. Notably, after concluding his India visit, Wang Yi is set to travel directly to Islamabad, highlighting the delicate balance in the relationship.
