A Tentative Reset: Key Highlights from the Modi–Wang Yi Dialogue

The recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to New Delhi in August 2025 has set the stage for what appears to be a cautious but meaningful recalibration of ties between India and China. Over the course of two days, Wang held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The meetings emphasized the importance of peace along the border, the resumption of cultural exchanges, and cooperation in multilateral forums—developments that collectively signal an attempt to steady relations after years of mistrust.

Image from Moneycontrol

Border Peace as the Foundation

At the core of the talks was the reaffirmation that peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains the foundation for all progress in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi stressed that without stability on the border, trust cannot be rebuilt. Jaishankar too underlined that the restoration of normalcy must begin with de-escalation, troop disengagement, and full adherence to existing agreements. Wang Yi, in turn, assured that China is willing to pursue a fair resolution of the boundary question, framing stability as essential for both countries’ development.

A High-Level Invitation and India’s Response

One of the key outcomes of the visit was the delivery of a personal message from Chinese President Xi Jinping, inviting Modiji to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit scheduled in Tianjin later this month. Modi accepted the invitation and confirmed India’s support for China’s presidency of the forum. His decision to travel to Tianjin will mark a significant gesture of goodwill, signaling that despite differences, India is willing to engage with China on regional and global platforms.

Revival of Dialogue Mechanisms

Another highlight of the visit was Wang Yi’s participation in the 24th round of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China on the boundary issue, co-chaired with NSA Ajit Doval. The discussions reaffirmed earlier agreements while also creating new institutional mechanisms to maintain dialogue. Expert-level groups and additional working bodies under the WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India–China Border Affairs) were announced to ensure structured communication and problem-solving.

Cultural and People-to-People Reconnect

Beyond the strategic and diplomatic aspects, the two sides agreed to revive cultural and people-to-people ties. Modiji welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage of immense religious and cultural significance to Indian devotees. Talks also explored reopening border trade, restoring direct flights, reissuing journalist visas, and strengthening tourism exchanges. These steps are intended to foster goodwill and create opportunities for grassroots-level engagement, which has been largely absent in recent years.

Economic and Multilateral Cooperation

The discussions were not limited to bilateral issues. Both nations agreed to extend support to each other for hosting future BRICS Summits—India in 2026 and China in 2027. In the backdrop of shifting global dynamics, particularly U.S. trade tariffs and the evolving geopolitical landscape, such commitments underline a shared recognition of the need to safeguard multilateral platforms. Analysts note that this cooperative stance reflects a pragmatic recalibration by both sides, ensuring that despite rivalry, common interests are not ignored.

Steps Toward Confidence-Building

The tone of the meetings suggested that new confidence-building measures are being actively pursued. Mechanisms to enhance communication, establish expert-level coordination, and manage trans-border issues such as river management were discussed. These steps are seen as incremental but vital, allowing both sides to reduce friction and avoid escalation. Wang Yi described his meetings in Delhi as constructive and forward-looking, while Modi characterized the progress as steady, referencing earlier breakthroughs made during the Kazan meeting in 2024.

Context of the Recalibration

Since the Galwan clashes of 2020, which strained ties and triggered widespread mistrust, both nations have struggled to find common ground. However, gradual progress has been visible in recent years. Partial troop disengagement agreements, resumption of direct flights, and renewed pilgrimages have all contributed to creating the conditions for Wang Yi’s visit. Analysts caution, however, that while diplomacy is moving in a positive direction, deep-rooted suspicions and strategic competition remain unresolved. The current thaw, therefore, is more tactical than transformative.

Conclusion: A Path of Cautious Engagement

The Modi–Wang Yi meetings represent an important moment in the ongoing evolution of India–China relations. By reopening dialogue channels, reviving cultural connections, and strengthening cooperation in multilateral platforms, both sides have signaled a willingness to manage differences and explore areas of convergence. Yet, this progress is cautious, shaped by years of mistrust and the shadow of unresolved border disputes. While a full reset appears unlikely in the near term, the renewed diplomatic energy suggests that both New Delhi and Beijing recognize the importance of stability—not just for themselves, but for regional and global peace.

(Sources: Moneycontrol, Times of India, AP News)