In the recent Modi-Xi meet, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted on Friday what seems a progress for India-China relations. Amidst the Trump tariff war, the two of the largest neighbouring countries seem to be inclined to collaborate on bilateral ties. As China continues to retaliate for the US “arbitrary tariffs”, he
accused Washington of “meeting good with evil”.
To address the positive development between Indo-China ties, Wang Yi emphasised the need for a cooperative partnership between the dragon (China) and the elephant (India). He said that China believes that both countries should be “partners in each other’s success” strengthening Beijing’s intentions to fortify ties with India.
These come at a strategic time in global diplomacy amidst the tariff row since Trump’s return to office in January. As Washington and Beijing levied duties against one-another, India too took a stand on the same. Moreover, given the prolonged military tension in eastern Ladakh spanning more than four years, this has been seen as a breakthrough in bilateral relations.
Holding the meeting in Kazan, Russia, PM Modi met with Xi Jinping during which “both Xi and Modi gave strategic guidance for the improvement of ties,” Yi said. In a mutual withdrawal of force, both countries completed the disengagement process in late 2024 relieving some tension from Despang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh.
As the Indo-China ties appear to be defrost when the world faces a trade crisis, this diplomatic engagement marks a significant step toward stabilizing relations between the two Asian giants. While longstanding border tensions remain a challenge, the renewed commitment to cooperation signals a potential shift toward mutual economic and strategic interests.