In the third high-level Indian visit to China in recent weeks, external affairs minister S Jaishankar called for the “continued normalisation of ties” between the two countries. Jaishankar once again reiterated that the bilateral approach should be based on “mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interests.” A strategic vision between India and China that takes into consideration these mutuals is the need of the hour on energy and climate issues.

Today, China has emerged as the dominant supplier of green technologies and critical minerals while also vying for leadership in global climate governance. China’s role in the global green economy, combined with the backsliding of Western economies towards their climate commitments, has geopolitical implications for India’s green energy ambitions. At the Leaders’ Summit on Climate and Just Transitions held by the United Nations and the Brazil COP Presidency in April 2025, President Xi Jinping made a strong pitch for China to remain committed to global climate goals. First, Xi criticised some “major countries” for their unilateralism and protectionism, iterating China’s support for international climate cooperation through multilateral governance platforms like the United Nations Framework for Climate Change. Second, in what was essentially a reference to the trade and tariff restrictions on Chinese-manufactured EVs and solar modules, Xi called for free circulation of high-quality green products and promotion of technological innovation and industrial transformation through cooperation. Third, Xi has labelled........

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