India and China are two neighboring countries with the largest populations in the world. They share borders and have a history of simultaneous struggles against British colonialism. Both countries achieved independence around the same time—India in 1947 and China in 1949. There was a time when the echoes of the Panchsheel principles resonated between the two nations. There was an era when slogans like “Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai” were sung in songs celebrating friendship. China reveres Lord Buddha, while India recognizes him as the tenth incarnation of divinity. In thousands of years of history, there has never been an example of enmity or hostility between the two nations.
Both countries today are among the largest markets in the world, but the 1962 war, when China attacked India, created a gap of mistrust that has not been fully bridged even now. Relations have seen many ups and downs, with multiple clashes along the borders. China’s expansionist policies have repeatedly affected bilateral ties. After the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, thousands of soldiers and heavy weapons were deployed by both sides along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
By the end of 2024, reports indicated the withdrawal of troops from the border, and thawing of relations began. The re-election of US President Donald Trump, and his unilateral approach, indirectly contributed to easing tensions between India and China.
After a long stalemate at the border, both countries decided to take steps toward dialogue, increase bilateral trade, resume direct flights, and maintain stability along the frontier. Trump’s policies had put both India and China in focus, creating an opportunity for the two Asian powers to come together on economic and geo-political interests. Even China, often assertive, began echoing the old “Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai” sentiment.
Amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a significant statement about improving ties with India. He said that both countries should see each other as partners, not rivals, and as opportunities rather than threats. Wang Yi emphasized that India and China are important neighbors, members of the Global South, and share deep cultural ties and broad common interests.
He further added that trust and cooperation between China and India are beneficial for shared development, while division and conflict are not conducive to Asia’s resurgence. He stated clearly that bilateral relations have returned to normal.
Both nations are committed to taking cooperation to new heights. Wang Yi stressed that India and China should support each other in the rotating BRICS chairmanship—India this year, China next year—using BRICS to enhance collaboration and provide hope to Global South countries.
Both countries should take steps toward each other, removing obstacles to demonstrate responsibility on the international stage. The US, over the past few years, has consistently attempted to economically and strategically contain China—first targeting Venezuela, China’s largest investment hub, and then Iran, putting China on the defensive. In response, China is working to maintain India and Russia as partners, ensuring it does not appear weak against the US strategically.
Hence, China is now emphasizing friendship and brotherhood with India. The Chinese Foreign Minister reiterated statements made during the late Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to China in 2006, when Mukherjee said that India is no longer the India of 1962—it has developed significantly. India and China are no longer rivals but collaborators. If the two countries move together, the coming century could belong to them. China’s changing stance is also linked to Middle East conflicts, oil, and energy crises.
India, Russia, and China are not forming a formal triangle, but if these three powers cooperate, a new world order could emerge, limiting US unilateral influence. India and China, as important neighbors and members of the Global South, share civilizational ties.
Global South refers to countries often classified as developing, less developed, or underdeveloped, primarily in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—represents leading emerging economies, with later expansion to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.
The US has never been a truly reliable friend to India. India-US relations are largely tactical, aimed at leveraging India against China and Russia. A senior US official once remarked in Delhi that America would not repeat the mistake it made with China 20 years ago, implying that the US intends to restrict India’s economic growth so it cannot surpass American interests.
The US approach to restrain India’s economic rise has become evident. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar retorted that India’s progress will be determined by India, not by the mistakes of others. This underscores India’s strategic autonomy in choosing partnerships and managing relations based on national interests.
Following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, China’s approach has gradually softened. With changing geopolitical circumstances, there is hope that both countries will advance as good friends in the future.
