China and India Hold High-Level Talks to Ease Tensions

August 19, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic engagement, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi as part of efforts to improve strained relations. This visit marks the 24th round of Special Representatives’ Talks on the long-standing border dispute.

Key Developments

• Border Dialogue:
  • Wang Yi also met India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who noted “new energy and momentum” in ties.
  • Jaishankar stressed that peace and stability along the border are essential for any forward movement in relations.
• Trade & Economy:
  • China assured India of resuming exports of fertilizers, rare earth minerals, and tunnel boring machines.
  • Signals a reopening of critical trade flows despite ongoing strategic differences.
• People-to-People Contacts:
  • Plans to resume direct flights, border trade, and river data sharing.
  • China has also allowed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims.
• Global Issues: Both sides exchanged views on terrorism, multipolarity, and global economic stability.

Wider Context

• The talks come ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to China for the SCO Summit, his first trip there in seven years.
• A possible meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines is being closely watched.
• Despite the willingness to advance economic cooperation, the 2020 border clashes and unresolved territorial disputes remain a deep source of mistrust.

Outlook: The New Delhi talks show cautious optimism – both sides appear ready to separate economic and cultural cooperation from border tensions, adopting a pragmatic approach to prevent conflict escalation.

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