India-China Relations: Wang Yi’s Visit and the SCO Summit Highlight Evolving Dynamics

Reports indicate that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi may visit India this month for Special Representative talks, with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval representing India. The discussions come amid efforts by India and China to mend their relationship. These efforts have included the resumption of high-level talks between the two countries, featuring meetings between Wang Yi and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. A meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to occur during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, later in August. China has welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the SCO Summit, which will take place in Tianjin at the end of August. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the gathering would bolster regional collaboration. The SCO Summit, hosted by China, will convene from August 31 to September 1 and will be attended by leaders from over 20 nations, including all SCO member states, alongside heads of numerous international organizations. Furthermore, India and China have decided to disengage and restart patrolling in the Depsang Plains and Demchok areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to reduce border tensions. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, an important pilgrimage route for Hindus, has also been reinstated, signifying strengthened cultural ties. Tourist visas have been re-established, and business connections are improving. Both India and China continue to engage in multilateral platforms like BRICS, SCO, and G20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi last met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2024 on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.