India And China Have Changed Their Minds About Making Peace

The main contradictions haven't gone away.

India and China are gradually restoring ties following the 2020 border conflict, but it is still too early to speak of a full reconciliation. The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to New Delhi for the BRICS summit will send an important diplomatic signal—it will be the first time in nearly seven years that a Chinese leader has visited India, writes The Wall Street Journal.

India and China have taken several steps toward each other following the 2020 border conflict, but this has not yet led to a genuine rapprochement. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit will be an important diplomatic signal—it will be the Chinese leader’s first visit to India in nearly seven years.

Border clashes in the Himalayas six years ago resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian and at least four Chinese soldiers. Following that, New Delhi deployed tens of thousands of soldiers to the border, banned about 60 Chinese apps, including TikTok and WeChat, and restricted the participation of Chinese companies in the development of the 5G network.

Over the past two years, relations have begun to gradually improve. Modi and Xi have met at international forums, the countries have resumed negotiations on the disputed border, and have agreed to patrol certain sections. India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens, and direct air service between the countries has been restored.

New Delhi has also softened its stance on Chinese investment. Indian companies are interested in Chinese components for electronics, automobiles, and solar panels.

One of the reasons for this change in course was the policy of Donald Trump. High tariffs against India, Washington’s growing closeness to Pakistan, and the U.S.’s waning focus on the QUAD have forced New Delhi to seek a more pragmatic approach toward Beijing.

However, key disagreements have not gone away—primarily territorial disputes and China’s close ties with Pakistan.

“The events of 2020 set relations back ten steps, and the current thaw represents, at best, three steps forward,” said former Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale.

According to the authors of the article, Xi’s visit signals a cautious resumption of contacts rather than a readiness on the part of India and China to embark on a full-fledged reconciliation.

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