- Direct air services to resume after nearly five years, signaling a thaw in relations.
- Agreement to facilitate journalist exchanges and dialogue on economic issues.
- Both nations commit to cooperation on cross-border rivers and cultural pilgrimages.
India and China have announced the resumption of direct air travel and journalist exchanges, marking a significant step in easing tensions that have persisted since their 2020 Himalayan border clash.
While bilateral ties show signs of improvement, contentious issues remain. India has expressed concerns over China’s plan to construct a massive hydropower dam in Tibet, potentially impacting downstream water flows into the Brahmaputra river.
Renewed Dialogue: India and China Take Steps to Rebuild Trust
After years of strained ties, India and China have agreed to resume direct passenger flights and facilitate exchanges between journalists, fostering people-to-people connections. The move signifies a mutual acknowledgment of the need for dialogue and cooperation, following a period marked by heightened tensions and economic restrictions.
High-level discussions have also focused on trade and investment, with both nations aiming to address economic concerns through greater transparency and predictability. The resumption of pilgrimages by Indian devotees to Tibet’s sacred sites, set for 2025, is another effort to strengthen cultural ties.
However, challenges remain, including China’s approval of a controversial hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo river. This project has raised alarms in India and Bangladesh over its potential environmental and water resource impacts. Addressing these concerns will require continued diplomatic engagement and trust-building measures.
In parallel, both countries have agreed to resume dialogue on cross-border river cooperation and convene expert-level mechanisms to address shared concerns. These steps reflect a cautious but determined effort to stabilize bilateral ties and explore avenues for collaboration.
India and China’s renewed efforts to engage in dialogue and cooperation signal a potential turning point in their relationship. While challenges persist, these initiatives reflect a willingness to address disputes constructively and work toward regional stability.
“Mutual support and mutual achievement should guide relations, rather than suspicion and alienation.” — Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister
