India-China ties changing: 4 signs, 1 challenge

India and China, two of Asia’s giants, have been navigating a complex relationship since the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

However, recent developments signal a cautious warming of ties, driven by mutual interest and global pressures, though challenges remain.

Here are four indicators of improving relations and one significant hurdle that persists.

1) India resumes tourist visas for Chinese nationals

After a five-year hiatus triggered by the 2020 border standoff, India has reinstated tourist visas for Chinese citizens, a move aimed at mending strained ties.

The announcement, shared by the Indian embassy in Beijing, was reported by China’s state-owned Global Times. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called it a “positive move,” expressing China’s willingness to enhance “facilitation of people-to-people exchanges.”

The visa suspension, along with restrictions on Chinese investments and apps, followed the 2020 clash that resulted in casualties on both sides.

2) Jaishankar’s landmark visit to China

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to China from July 13-15 marked a significant diplomatic milestone, the first such trip since the 2020 standoff.

Meeting President Xi Jinping, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Vice President Han Zheng before attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Foreign Ministers, Jaishankar noted that both nations have made “good progress” in normalising relations over the past nine months.

He emphasised that maintaining peace along the border is the “fundamental basis for mutual strategic trust” and called for further de-escalation.

3) China issues 85,000 visas for Indian pilgrims

In a reciprocal gesture, China issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens in 2025, particularly for those visiting sacred sites like Mansarovar .

Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong announced on X, “As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens travelling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China.”

This surge in visas, following troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh, further signals the strengthening of people-to-people ties.

4) Push for direct flight resumption

Both nations have agreed to restore direct flights and mutual travel, suspended since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent border clash.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated, “The two sides agreed to take additional practical steps, including travel to each other’s country and direct flight connectivity, for facilitating people-to-people exchanges.”

While China’s foreign ministry statement omitted mention of flights, the agreement reflects a shared interest in easing travel barriers between the world’s most populous neighbours.

The challenge: Reluctance to share technology

Despite these positive steps, a key obstacle remains: Chinese companies’ reluctance to share technology and data, the same attitude shown by their Western counterparts.

This poses a significant challenge to deeper economic collaboration, testing India’s diplomatic finesse.

As both nations navigate this issue, India’s scepticism about China’s intentions, given its history as a hostile, irresponsible and unpredictable neighbour, underscores the need for careful engagement.

Trump factor- a peace initiative he never takes credit for

US President Donald Trump is often visibly eager to claim credit for peace initiatives across the globe in a bid to reinforce his nomination for Nobel Peace Prize. However, the ongoing reconciliation between the two Asian neighbours is something Trump never would brag about.

It’s Trump’s unpredictable policies that have forced Beijing and New Delhi to step closer despite their shared concerns. Recently, China’s open support to Pakistan in the four-day standoff with India angered many in New Delhi. However, that frustration didn’t culminate in a setback for Sino-Indo ties.

India is selectively engaging with Chinese firms while diversifying its economic resources, balancing cooperation with strategic caution.