India and China, two major Eastern civilizations and emerging economies, have a complex history marked by periods of cooperation and conflict. Their diplomatic relations, established in 1949, have evolved through significant events, including the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 2020 border clashes in eastern Ladakh.
In recent years, efforts have been made to stabilize bilateral ties. In October 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting in Kazan, Russia, which charted the course for improving and developing China-India relations. This meeting led to the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage that had been suspended for several years, and the agreement to resume direct flights between the two countries after nearly five years. These steps are seen as efforts to normalize relations and promote people-to-people exchanges.
In July 2025, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' Meeting. During his visit, he met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of continued normalization of bilateral ties, stating that it can produce mutually beneficial outcomes. He also highlighted the need for an open exchange of views between the two nations, considering the complex global situation. Both sides agreed to implement the important common understandings reached between their leaders and to promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of China-India relations.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. The issue of the Dalai Lama's succession continues to be a point of contention. China views it as an internal matter, while India supports the Dalai Lama's autonomy. Additionally, border disputes, particularly in the Aksai Chin region, persist, requiring careful management to prevent tensions from escalating.
Looking ahead, the future of India-China relations will depend on how both nations navigate these challenges and build upon their shared history to foster a stable and cooperative partnership.