India and China strive to reset ties but with caution

India and China, two of the world’s most populous countries, have had a complicated relationship for many years, mainly because of a long and unclear border that stretches over 3,400 kilometers. This border runs through mountains, rivers, and lakes, making it hard to mark exactly where one country ends and the other begins. Because of this, soldiers from both sides often come face to face, and sometimes these meetings turn into violent clashes. The most serious recent incident happened in 2020 in the Galwan valley, where soldiers from both countries fought and some lost their lives.

Despite these tensions, there are signs that India and China are trying to improve their relationship. Recently, some top Indian officials visited China, which was seen as a positive step. These visits happened during meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a group that includes several countries from the region. It was the first time in five years that a senior Indian official had visited China. Both countries have also agreed to restore direct flights and make it easier for people to get visas, which had been restricted after the 2020 clash. Indian pilgrims were even allowed to visit a sacred mountain in Tibet for the first time in six years.

Trade is a big reason why both countries want peace. China is India’s second-largest trading partner, and last year, trade between them was worth more than $127 billion. India depends on China for many important goods, especially rare earth minerals that are used in manufacturing. However, China has recently started to use trade as a way to pressure India, by restricting exports of things like rare earth magnets and fertilizers. This could hurt India’s industries if the restrictions continue.

At the same time, both countries are watching what is happening in the rest of the world. China is worried that Western countries, especially the United States, are trying to use India to limit China’s power. India, on the other hand, has been disappointed by the lack of support from the US in some recent conflicts, like the one with Pakistan. India is also concerned about Russia, a long-time ally, becoming closer to China because of the war in Ukraine and Western sanctions.

Another major issue is the region of Arunachal Pradesh. China claims this area as its own, calling it Southern Tibet, but India insists it is an important part of their country. People in Arunachal Pradesh vote in Indian elections, and India says there is no room for compromise.

Experts say that both India and China know they cannot solve all their problems right away. Instead, they are trying to build a working relationship that benefits both sides and avoids more conflict. They want to focus on areas where they can agree, like trade and travel, while continuing to talk about the more difficult issues. For now, both countries seem to prefer working together rather than relying too much on other powerful countries.