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Modi Meets Wang Yi, Says India–China Ties Making Progress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on August 19 and described India–China relations as having made “steady progress” since his last meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan. Modi underlined the importance of building stable and constructive ties, noting that peace along the border and mutual respect are critical for regional and global prosperity. He also accepted President Xi’s invitation to attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin.
Focus on Border Dialogue and Stability
The visit included the 24th round of Special Representatives’ talks between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Wang Yi. The discussions centered on restoring peace along the Line of Actual Control, managing patrols, and exploring long-term steps for a final settlement of the boundary question. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to keep communication channels open and to prevent incidents that could escalate tensions in sensitive border areas.
Cooperation in Trade and Supplies
Another key outcome of the talks was the decision to reopen border trade through select mountain passes, which had been suspended in recent years. China also assured India of continued supply of critical goods including fertilizers, rare earth minerals, and tunnel boring machines. These assurances were framed as confidence-building measures, with both sides keen to stabilize economic ties despite wider geopolitical competition.
Challenges Remain Despite Thaw
While the visit signaled progress, analysts noted that challenges remain unresolved. Issues around troop disengagement in Ladakh, trust deficits, and differences on global strategic alignments continue to complicate ties. However, the meeting was seen as an important step toward gradual normalization.
