Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is currently in India for a two-day visit. A primary focus of the visit is expected to be discussions on how to achieve lasting peace and stability along the India-China border. This visit is strategically timed ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming trip to China later in August and signifies a renewed effort to improve relations between the two nations.
The relationship between India and China has been strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between their respective armies. Despite troop withdrawals from the immediate conflict areas, tensions persist. A substantial number of soldiers, estimated between 50,000 and 60,000, remain deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
Adding another layer of complexity, the visit occurs amid growing friction between India and the United States. US tariffs on Indian goods have increased significantly, and penalties are in place concerning the purchase of Russian oil. Discussions on India-China trade are also expected during this visit.
Wang Yi will have crucial talks with India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, who serves as a Special Representative for border negotiations. Doval previously visited China in December 2024, engaging in discussions with Wang on these important matters.
Wang Yi’s agenda includes a meeting with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, followed by discussions with NSA Ajit Doval. Key topics to be discussed include the border situation, trade, and the potential resumption of flight services. Wang will conclude the visit with a meeting with Prime Minister Modi.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit China for a two-day period starting August 31, during which he will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Beijing. This marks Modi’s sixth visit to China as Prime Minister, the most recent one being in 2018.
