India and China are working to restore their relations to pre-2020 status following the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan. This effort comes after their bilateral ties were strained due to border conflicts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since April-May 2020. Chinese officials highlighted the “chemistry” between the two leaders during their discussions, expressing optimism about several proposals currently under review to normalize ties. They noted that the leaders’ interaction in Kazan was marked by a personal rapport, as they moved beyond prepared talking points, signaling a commitment to resolving tensions and fostering collaboration.
To rebuild the bilateral relationship, multiple measures have been proposed. These include resuming direct flights, easing visa restrictions on Chinese nationals, especially diplomats, and lifting bans on Chinese mobile applications. Additional suggestions involve allowing Chinese journalists to report from India, increasing the release of Indian films in Chinese theaters, and promoting other cultural exchanges. These proposals were reportedly discussed during a meeting between Chinese representatives and an Indian media delegation, marking a significant step in the engagement since the LAC disengagement.
China is hopeful that Prime Minister Modi will visit for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, which China will host next year. The recent Kazan meeting, described as “ice-breaking,” was viewed as an essential move to thaw relations. Officials underscored the importance of the personal friendship between Modi and Xi, suggesting that this relationship could help overcome existing challenges without rigid adherence to official talking points. The level of candid interaction between the two leaders was seen as a positive sign, potentially leading to further cooperation on a wide range of issues beyond border tensions.
In an effort to advance diplomatic dialogue, both countries have directed their foreign ministers, deputy foreign ministers, and special representatives to engage in strategic discussions. Further engagements are planned on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil, scheduled for mid-November. Chinese officials emphasized that while border issues are critical, they should not overshadow the broader bilateral partnership. They believe that there are numerous other areas for potential collaboration, including artificial intelligence, climate change, and green energy initiatives. The officials indicated that although border tensions need to be addressed, the focus should be on building a multifaceted partnership.
Moreover, Chinese representatives suggested that the upcoming political shift in the United States, particularly with the potential return of former President Donald Trump, could present new challenges for both India and China. They hinted at the possibility of India and China finding common ground on shared global challenges, thereby reinforcing their partnership against external pressures. To maintain momentum, officials advised consistent dialogue across various levels, aiming to avoid misunderstandings caused by a lack of communication in recent years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and border disputes.
The two nations are considering a “wish list” of confidence-building measures, which includes reinstating direct flights and easing visa curbs, as well as promoting cultural exchanges such as the screening of Indian films in China. The Chinese side expressed readiness to open up further and engage with India on these proposals. There is also a focus on supporting each other in global platforms, as demonstrated during previous international meetings.
The recent disengagement from the border standoff represents progress in the three-step process of disengagement, de-escalation, and de-induction of troops along the LAC. Chinese officials underscored that both leaders have set a positive direction for their diplomatic efforts, and there have been 20 rounds of talks at various levels aimed at resolving the border dispute. The ongoing dialogue is expected to continue, with plans for special representatives and senior ministers to meet during the upcoming G20 summit.
Chinese officials stressed the importance of both nations supporting each other on global issues like climate change and technological advancements. They see the strategic relationship between India and China as vital to addressing common challenges, particularly as the global geopolitical landscape evolves. The focus is on moving beyond border disputes to a broader partnership, leveraging opportunities for collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence and sustainable energy transitions. They reiterated that while the border issues remain significant, they should not be the sole focus of the bilateral relationship. The goal is to build a stronger, multifaceted partnership that includes economic, cultural, and strategic dimensions, thereby ensuring stability and mutual benefit in the region.