A new diplomatic spring: India and China are growing closer again.

After years of deep tensions, a remarkable shift is emerging in South Asia: India and China – two nuclear superpowers with a complex neighborhood – are once again working towards de-escalation. A key catalyst for this diplomatic restart was the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi in August 2025. The encounter marked the first meeting at this level since the violent border incident in Ladakh in 2020, in which 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers lost their lives.

Modi subsequently spoke of “steady progress” in improving bilateral relations and emphasized “mutual respect and sensitivity to each other’s interests.” The Chinese government also stated that both countries would now embark on a “stable development path”—a clear rejection of the rhetoric of previous years.

The talks focused on de-escalation measures along the shared border. Wang Yi met with, among others, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to discuss border demarcation, patrol arrangements, and troop withdrawals. The goal: a more orderly and peaceful control of sensitive areas along the Himalayan border. Both sides also agreed to resume direct air links, issue visas for journalists, and revive trade and cultural exchange.

This assessment takes place in a geopolitical context characterized by uncertainty regarding the US. Trump's aggressive trade policies – including tariffs on Indian goods – have shaken confidence and prompted India to readjust its foreign policy strategy. As a result, there is now a greater willingness to cooperate with China and to strengthen regional multilateral forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS.

Another sign of growing cooperation is the agreement to support each other in hosting the BRICS summits: China will assist India as host in 2026, and India will reciprocate in 2027.

Despite the progress, analysts urge caution: the relationship is far from untroubled. Mutual distrust persists – particularly given China's close ties to Pakistan's military elite. Unresolved border issues, fragile trust structures, and competing geopolitical interests also remain a risk to lasting stabilization.

Nevertheless, progress is palpable. Another highlight in the diplomatic narrative: Modi will visit China for the first time in seven years at the end of August – during the SCO summit in Tianjin. There, he will hold targeted talks with President Xi Jinping to visibly and tangibly continue the successful rapprochement.

Conclusion

India and China's recent diplomatic relaunch is more than a mere gesture – it reflects strategic calculations and a geopolitical reorientation. The resumption of dialogue, trade, and dialogue mechanisms creates the conditions for stability in a region grappling with the risks of conflict and global power shifts. Despite skepticism, this rapprochement could foster regional peace and multipolar cooperation – provided both sides pursue a sustainable and respectful course.