India-China ties on the mend: PM Modi to visit Tianjin for SCO Summit, stresses fair boundary resolution
- MGMMTeam
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
India and China, two of Asia’s most powerful neighbors, appear to be entering a phase of cautious reconciliation after years of strained ties. The turning point came this week when Chinese Foreign Minister and Politburo member Wang Yi arrived in New Delhi for a three-day visit. His meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg was more than just a diplomatic courtesy—it signaled a renewed willingness on both sides to look beyond the bitter memories of the 2020 border clashes in eastern Ladakh.
Wang Yi personally handed over an invitation from President Xi Jinping for Prime Minister Modi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit scheduled in Tianjin at the end of this month. Modiji accepted the invitation, confirming his participation, and described the current moment as one of “steady and positive progress” in bilateral relations. His remarks underscored India’s commitment to pursuing a boundary settlement that is fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable while stressing that stable ties would contribute not only to regional stability but also to global peace and prosperity.
Border Issues and Strategic Balancing
The shadow of the unresolved border disputes still looms large over India-China relations. However, the 24th round of boundary talks between Special Representatives Ajit Doval and Wang Yi provided some reassurance that both sides are willing to manage differences through dialogue. Doval noted that peace and tranquility have largely prevailed along the Line of Actual Control in recent months, creating the right conditions for diplomatic progress.
Wang Yi acknowledged that the setbacks of the past years had hurt both nations but emphasized that the situation on the borders has stabilized. He argued that a stable and cooperative relationship between India and China was not only desirable but essential for the long-term interests of both countries. The talks also touched upon trade, with Beijing promising to address India’s critical import needs, including rare earth minerals, fertilizers, and advanced machinery—areas where India’s dependence on China has remained high.
Rebuilding Mutual Trust
Foreign Minister Wang Yi used his visit to emphasize that India and China should see each other as partners rather than rivals. He argued that both nations, as ancient civilizations and modern rising powers, have complementary strengths that can drive growth and stability in Asia. His call for “mutual respect and trust” was echoed during his meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The Indian minister underlined that differences between the two sides must not escalate into disputes, highlighting diplomacy as the most effective tool for conflict resolution.
The resumption of cultural and people-to-people exchanges has also added to the positive momentum. The reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights, and the issuance of visas for Chinese tourists to India are viewed as confidence-building measures. These steps, while modest, are seen as essential in breaking down mistrust and creating a more favorable climate for dialogue.
A Broader Geopolitical Context
This renewed engagement comes at a time when India faces increasing external pressures, particularly from the United States, which has imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports. For New Delhi, diversifying partnerships and recalibrating relations with Beijing provides strategic flexibility in an increasingly uncertain global order.
For China, repairing relations with India is equally critical. Beijing is navigating its own economic headwinds, including Western trade pressures and slowing domestic growth. Stabilizing ties with India not only strengthens its regional standing but also ensures cooperation in multilateral forums such as the SCO and BRICS. Both countries have also pledged to back each other’s leadership of future BRICS summits, signaling a long-term commitment to institutional cooperation.
The Road Ahead
The upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin will be closely watched as Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping are expected to meet face-to-face for the first time since their talks in Kazan last year. For Modi, this visit will be his first to China in seven years, underscoring the significance of the moment. The summit offers an opportunity not only to reaffirm bilateral commitments but also to set the tone for cooperation in areas like counter-terrorism, economic integration, and climate action.
Conclusion
India and China may not yet be on the path to full reconciliation, but recent developments show that both countries are willing to engage constructively. The acceptance of Xi Jinping’s invitation by Prime Minister Modi, the candid discussions on boundary issues, and the mutual recognition of shared interests mark an important departure from the hostility of the past few years.
The road ahead will not be without challenges, as deep mistrust and unresolved territorial disputes remain. Yet, the cautious thaw signals that both nations recognize the costs of confrontation and the benefits of cooperation. If managed carefully, this new phase of engagement could redefine not only bilateral relations but also the broader balance of power in Asia.
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