Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has commenced a two-day visit to India, with the aim of discussing measures to ensure enduring peace and stability along the India-China border. This visit precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned trip to China later this month and represents a diplomatic effort to improve strained relations between the two nations.
Tensions between the two countries escalated following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. While both sides have since withdrawn troops from the immediate conflict zones, the situation remains delicate. A significant military presence persists, with approximately 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers from both India and China stationed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
The visit also takes place against the backdrop of rising tensions in India-US relations, stemming from the US imposing increased tariffs on Indian goods, including penalties related to the purchase of Russian oil. Discussions about India-China trade are anticipated during Wang Yi’s visit.
Wang Yi is scheduled to engage in focused discussions on the border issue with India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, who serves as the Special Representative for border talks. Doval previously visited China in December 2024 and held discussions with Wang.
Wang Yi’s itinerary includes a meeting with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, followed by talks with NSA Ajit Doval, where a range of key issues, including the border situation, trade, and the resumption of flight services, will likely be addressed. Additionally, Wang Yi will meet with Prime Minister Modi.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit China for two days, starting August 31, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Beijing. This will be Modi’s sixth visit to China as Prime Minister, the last one being in 2018.