The meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the G-20 foreign ministers’ gathering in Johannesburg underscored the complex and evolving nature of bilateral ties. While the broader theme of the engagement was the importance of multilateralism, the meeting came at a time when both nations are cautiously recalibrating their relationship following years of friction. The discussion largely focused on their shared commitment to maintaining the G-20 as a crucial platform in an increasingly polarised world. This signals a pragmatic approach by both sides, prioritising global stability while keeping their differences on a separate track.

Multilateralism has always been a delicate balancing act, particularly when major powers find themselves at odds over regional and global issues. India and China, as two of the world’s largest economies and emerging geopolitical forces, have frequently found........

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