BS EDIT: India-China talks: A cautious thaw

By Business StandardPublished On Jan 31, 2025

A step forward?

• India & China discuss visas, flights, and Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra

• First major talks since the 2020 Galwan clash

Progress since BRICS summit

• Modi-Xi meeting in Oct 2023 set the stage

• Ladakh de-escalation & border talks followed

Trade ties despite tensions

• China remains India’s top trade partner

• Trade deficit surged to $85.06 billion in FY24

• Investment restrictions still in place

Lingering concerns

• Diplomatic talks often followed by border tensions

• India protests China’s new territorial claims

US factor in ties

• Trump’s trade policies may push India & China closer

• China wary of India’s Quad alliance with the US

Will the thaw last?

Talks signal a reset, but deep issues remain

Military vigilance remains key