Two recent events show the changing nature of India-China relations. First, US President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on India and Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit appeared to show India moving towards China and Russia.

The second development was the grand military parade organised by President Xi Jinping following the SCO Summit to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the Second World War. Both the Summit and military parade showed Xi’s control over China and a nation ready to deal with the world on its own terms.

The thaw in India-China bilateral relations can be attributed to direct US pressure and indirect Chinese cajoling. While normalisation of bilateral relations is a positive sign, the agreement between the nations on the boundary issue has a Chinese signature all over it. This is a matter of concern and needs careful monitoring.

The thaw in India-China relations that has occurred is grounded in interactions prior to the Prime Minister’s visit to Tianjin for the SCO Summit. This includes the visit (20 August) of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Delhi to meet NSA Ajit Doval, for the 24th Round of the Special Representatives meeting on the boundary issue. However, the reset in bilateral ties should not be seen in isolation. PM Modi chose to first travel to Japan, with the objective of strengthening........

© News18