On August 18, 2025, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in New Delhi to talk about the current and potential future of bilateral relations between China and India.
Wang Yi emphasized the important strides made in preserving peace and tranquility along the border regions at this conference, noting that all parties had successfully restored Indian pilgrimages to revered locations in the Tibet Autonomous Region, including Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
In order to thwart outside meddling, increase collaboration, and further solidify the momentum of developing bilateral relations, he emphasized the significance of mutual trust between the two countries.
Wang emphasized that such collaboration will give Asia and the international order the stability and certainty it needs by enabling both nations to pursue their own national rejuvenation and favorably contribute to each other’s success.
In his introductory remarks, Jaishankar acknowledged that although the relationship between China and India has gone through a challenging time, both countries now aim to move forward. He emphasized that in order to move forward, “the three mutuals”—mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest—must be followed in an open and positive manner.
He issued a warning that disagreements must not turn into arguments or rivalry into hostilities. He said the talks would cover a wide range of topics, such as border trade, connectivity, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, pilgrimages, economic and trade challenges, and more general bilateral relations.
In the western Himalayas, where tensions have persisted since the military confrontations in 2020, Jaishankar also reaffirmed India’s worries regarding the border situation and the significance of troop disengagement from forward positions.
In order to manage border issues and foster confidence, the conference mirrored ongoing high-level discussions, such as the 24th round of discussions between India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and border special envoy Wang Yi.
Since the 2020 standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, which was brought on by Chinese military maneuvers, tensions have somewhat decreased as a result of these efforts. A major step toward border stabilization has been taken with the signing of a historic agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC ahead of the 2024 BRICS Summit.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, 2025, and Wang Yi’s visit and the talks are set against the backdrop of a strengthening bilateral relationship.
In order to create a stable and cooperative future, both parties seem dedicated to maintaining peaceful coexistence, fostering greater cooperation, and resolving disagreements. This enhanced cooperation is also occurring as both nations confront external pressures such as trade conflicts with the United States, highlighting the strategic importance of their bilateral relationship for regional and global stability.
In an effort to cement a favorable trend in China-India relations following years of strain and difficulties, Wang Yi and Jaishankar met on August 18 and reaffirmed their vows to border peace and cooperation, cultural exchanges, economic links, and mutual respect.
Their common goal is to protect national interests and promote mutual growth while promoting regional security and global multipolarity.
