A Time for Pragmatism and Peace

20/08/2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi signals a cautiously optimistic phase in India-China relations. While the deep wounds of the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes are far from forgotten, both sides appear to be making a strategic decision to re-engage-an acknowledgment that regional stability and global standing cannot afford protracted hostility between Asia's two largest nations.The Prime Minister's reiteration of India's commitment to a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable" resolution to the boundary issue underscores the central impediment that continues to cast a shadow over the relationship. His emphasis on peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) reflects the sentiment of a nation that seeks dialogue over discord, but with clarity about its red lines. Stability at the border remains the foundation upon which any meaningful diplomatic or economic cooperation can be rebuilt.
Wang Yi's visit, carrying both a message and an invitation from President Xi Jinping for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, marks a continuation of efforts from both countries to rebuild broken trust. Modi's positive tone-expressing satisfaction over the "steady progress" in ties since his last meeting with Xi-suggests a broader strategic recalibration. In October last year, the two leaders had already set the tone for this shift in Kazan by agreeing to revive dialogue mechanisms to normalise relations.Importantly, this warming of ties with Beijing comes at a time when New Delhi's relations with Washington are experiencing turbulence, particularly over trade-related issues under President Trump's tariff-driven policies. This geopolitical nuance is not lost on observers; India's foreign policy has consistently demonstrated a commitment to strategic autonomy. The engagement with China is not a pivot but a balancing act-one that seeks to preserve India's interests in a multipolar world.
The SCO summit presents a timely opportunity for Modi and Xi to turn symbolic gestures into substantive outcomes. India and China share not only a disputed border but also overlapping interests in regional connectivity, counter-terrorism, climate action, and economic development. While progress may be incremental, a forward-looking agenda can build momentum.That said, optimism must be tempered with realism. The trust deficit is real and deep. Peace on the border is a necessary-but not sufficient-condition for full normalisation. Words must be followed by verifiable action, particularly in ensuring disengagement and de-escalation in sensitive sectors along the LAC.
Still, dialogue is the only viable path forward. The alternative-a relationship defined by suspicion, strategic competition, and military brinkmanship-is not just undesirable but unsustainable.India and China must now prove that they can rise above past grievances to forge a stable and constructive partnership. The world is watching-and hoping-that two civilisational powers can chart a new chapter marked not by conflict, but by cooperation.

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