Recent high-level discussions between China and India have focused on managing differences while promoting stability in an effort to strengthen bilateral ties. The talks happened on January 26–27, 2025, when Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was in Beijing.
After earlier agreements on troop disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and other diplomatic engagements, this visit was a part of ongoing efforts to mend ties.
Resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims, an essential cultural exchange between the two countries, was one of the major outcomes of the negotiations. Resuming direct flights between China and India was another topic of discussion between the two countries, as it would improve travel and people-to-people relations.
Resuming the exchange of hydrological data about trans-border rivers was one of the topics of discussion, especially in view of China’s massive dam construction on the Brahmaputra River. In India, this problem has sparked worries about environmental effects and water management.
Both countries promoted positive communication to resolve disagreements and underlined the significance of keeping a long-term view of their relationship. In order to improve political trust and strategic communication, the Chinese side emphasized the need for cooperation and understanding rather than mistrust.
India pledged to actively participate in related activities all year long and reaffirmed its support for China’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The two nations decided to hold a variety of cultural events, such as talks at think tanks and media conferences, to mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
While both sides acknowledge that there are major obstacles ahead, including trade imbalances and military tensions at the border, there is a shared interest in creating a cooperative environment, and the talks reflect a cautious optimism about stabilizing ties between China and India. The focus on resolving disagreements amicably suggests a wish to put the recent conflicts behind them and work toward a more secure and mutually beneficial partnership.
