India and China Seek Reset: Jaishankar Outlines “Three Mutuals” as the Path Forward
- MGMMTeam
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
In a significant diplomatic moment, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, marking one of the most important engagements between the two nations since the 2020 Galwan clash. Stressing the need to rebuild trust, Jaishankar set forth what he called the “three mutuals” — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest — as the foundation for resetting ties. He underlined that India and China must ensure that “differences do not become disputes, and competition must not turn into conflict.”
Border Peace as the Bedrock
Central to the discussions was the issue of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where tensions have persisted for years. Jaishankar made it clear that the success of bilateral ties depends on preserving peace and stability in border areas. The two sides agreed that de-escalation must continue, with talks between Wang Yi and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval expected to focus on troop disengagement and long-term mechanisms for preventing flare-ups. Both ministers acknowledged that only when the boundary is calm can other aspects of the relationship flourish.
Expanding Cooperation Beyond Security
While border tensions dominated the agenda, the talks also addressed wider areas of cooperation. Jaishankar highlighted India’s concerns about trade imbalances, connectivity, and data sharing on trans-boundary rivers. He also pointed to the importance of reviving people-to-people exchanges, including pilgrimages and educational ties, alongside discussions on restoring border trade and direct flights. These measures, he noted, would not only normalize relations but also strengthen societal and cultural linkages between the two Asian giants.
Shared Vision for a Multipolar World
The discussions extended beyond bilateral concerns to the broader global stage. Both ministers emphasized the need for a balanced, just, and multipolar Asia, one that resists domination by any single power. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to reforming multilateral institutions, making them more representative of today’s geopolitical realities. Counter-terrorism cooperation was also highlighted as a shared priority, with both nations agreeing that extremism in all forms must be collectively confronted.
A Shift in Global Strategy
The renewed warmth between New Delhi and Beijing comes at a time of strained ties between India and the United States. The Trump administration’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian exports has forced New Delhi to diversify its strategic partnerships. Analysts suggest that the economic and diplomatic unpredictability in Washington is pushing India to re-engage with China to preserve its strategic autonomy. This geopolitical recalibration highlights how shifting global currents are reshaping India’s foreign policy approach.
Signs of Thaw
Symbolic but meaningful steps have already been taken to demonstrate goodwill. Direct flights between the two countries have resumed, border trade is being discussed for revival after a five-year gap, and the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage has reopened for Indian citizens. Looking ahead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Tianjin for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit — his first trip to China in seven years — is being seen as a potential milestone in turning the page on years of tension.
Historical Context of Strained Ties
The backdrop to these developments is rooted in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which severely damaged trust and froze relations for years. It was only after the 2024 Border Patrol Agreement, which allowed disengagement and regulated patrols in friction points, that both countries began to cautiously rebuild dialogue. The present visit by Wang Yi, therefore, is not just symbolic but substantive, offering a chance to move from confrontation to cooperation.
Conclusion: A Cautious but Hopeful Reset
The Jaishankar–Wang Yi meeting represents a delicate but hopeful attempt to recalibrate one of the world’s most consequential bilateral relationships. While challenges remain, particularly on the boundary question, the focus on the “three mutuals” provides a diplomatic framework to rebuild confidence. As both nations look toward regional stability, economic cooperation, and global leadership, the success of this engagement will depend on whether words can translate into sustained action. The coming months, especially the SCO summit in Tianjin, will be crucial in determining whether India and China can truly move past confrontation and chart a more stable, multipolar future together.
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