Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in New Delhi on August 19 in what both countries described as a significant step toward rebuilding a relationship that has been strained since their violent border clashes in 2020. Modi said that India-China relations have made progress “guided by respect for each other’s interests and sensitivities,” and emphasized that peace and stability along the disputed frontier remain central to improving ties.

The talks in New Delhi, which also involved Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, reflected an effort to move past what both capitals have acknowledged as a “difficult period.” For over three years, India-China relations were dominated by military stand-offs in Ladakh, mutual distrust, and restrictions on trade and investment. Yet, both sides now appear willing to re-engage, not only in security matters but also in economic and multilateral arenas.

Modi underlined to Wang that India remains committed to a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution” of the long-standing boundary dispute, stressing that tranquility at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is non-negotiable for any further improvement in relations.

New Delhi announced that agreements were reached on several confidence-building steps, including better border management, the resumption of direct flight connectivity, and the reopening of border trade that had been disrupted for years. Importantly, both nations pledged to support each other’s presidency of the BRICS grouping in 2026 and 2027, signaling that they see common ground in shaping alternative multilateral institutions outside the Western-led order.

The symbolism of Wang’s invitation to Modi to attend the Shanghai........

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