A Diplomatic Reset Between Two Asian Giants
India and China, the world’s two most populous nations and key Asian powers, have shared a relationship shaped by cooperation, competition, and conflict. After years of tension, particularly following the 2020 Ladakh border standoff, India is taking measured steps toward normalization. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s upcoming visit to China—his first in five years—signals a potential reset in bilateral diplomacy. The visit coincides with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ meet in Tianjin and reflects a broader strategic recalibration between the neighbours.
A High-Stakes Visit to Beijing and Tianjin
Jaishankar will arrive in China on July 13 for a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, followed by participation in the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in Tianjin on July 14-15. The SCO, currently chaired by China, is a multilateral body comprising 10 member states including India, China, Russia, and Pakistan.
While the SCO agenda will cover regional security, economic cooperation, and terrorism, the bilateral talks in Beijing are expected to delve deeper into sensitive and unresolved issues. These include the rare earth supply chain disruption, the Dalai Lama’s succession, aviation links, and simmering India-Pakistan tensions.
Post-Standoff Diplomacy: Healing the Wounds of 2020
Jaishankar’s visit comes at a crucial time, marking the first by an Indian foreign minister to China since the 2020 military clash in eastern Ladakh. The Galwan Valley incident, which claimed lives on both sides, severely strained ties and led to heightened military deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Since then, both sides have taken steps to ease tensions. Disengagement agreements at key friction points like Demchok and Depsang were finalized in late 2023, and dialogue channels have gradually reopened. Jaishankar’s visit follows similar outreach by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, both of whom met Chinese counterparts recently to promote border peace.
Reviving Dialogue Mechanisms: A Tactical Strategy
A significant development is the revival of the Special Representatives (SR) mechanism for border negotiations. Both Doval and Wang are designated SRs tasked with resolving the long-standing 3,488 km boundary dispute. The mechanism had stalled after 23 rounds of inconclusive talks but has now been revived following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, last October.
China has also resumed facilitating the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra—a move welcomed by India. Such symbolic and strategic steps indicate that both countries are cautiously exploring avenues for long-term normalization.
The Role of Rare Earths and Economic Friction
One major concern for India remains China’s control over rare earth elements—critical to the manufacture of electronics, electric vehicles, and defense equipment. China’s previous halt in rare earth exports has alarmed Indian industries, and Jaishankar is expected to press for assured and transparent trade mechanisms. With India pushing for supply chain diversification, discussions could also touch upon potential cooperation in resource development outside China.
Trust Deficit and the Need for Ground-Level Progress
India continues to emphasize that lasting peace along the border is essential for full normalization of ties. During his June visit to China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged his counterpart to adopt a structured roadmap for de-escalation and rebuild trust through concrete actions.
The Indian side remains wary of China’s intentions, especially given past experience where dialogues coexisted with military assertiveness. As Singh pointed out, “creating good neighbourly conditions” is a prerequisite to unlock mutual potential.
Cautious Optimism Amidst Strategic Realignment
Jaishankar’s visit is a significant diplomatic move that could help stabilize a volatile relationship. While many hurdles remain—including the unresolved border issue, economic mistrust, and regional rivalries—the renewed dialogue provides a platform for managing differences.
India and China may not resolve their strategic disagreements overnight, but sustained engagement is the only viable path forward. In an increasingly multipolar world, cooperation between these two powers is not just desirable—it is essential for regional peace and global balance.
(With agency inputs)
