A Journey of Challenge and Hope

The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of establishment of China-India diplomatic relations. Over the years, the relationship has navigated ups and downs. Still, woven with the threads of cooperation, conflict, and cautious optimism, the two nations have managed to coexist peacefully as neighbors. Therefore, the anniversary makes this year a befitting moment to reflect on the journey of the two countries.

Historically, India was among the first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China, and formally established diplomatic relations with it on April 1, 1950. The early years of this relationship were characterized by mutual goodwill, as evidenced by the slogan “Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai (Indians and Chinese are brothers).” Important milestones included the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence put forth on in 1954,  i.e. mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. It was a noteworthy step towards promoting a positive relationship between the two nations.

However, relations took a downturn after the border conflict in 1962, leading to a period of mistrust. Efforts to normalize bilateral relations gained momentum in the late 1980s, culminating in then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s historic visit to China in 1988. This visit broke ice and heralded a new chapter in China-India relations which featured increasing dialogue and cooperation. Economic exchange between the two countries expanded rapidly in the 1990s and 2000s, and China became one of the largest trading partners of India. Many agreements such as the Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas signed in 1993 played a pivotal role in maintaining peaceful development of the relationship.

Furthermore, China and India have engaged in multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, which has facilitated dialogue and cooperation on regional and global levels and fostered mutual understanding and a sense of partnership among involved parties.

However, relations between the two nations were strained due to the Dong Lang (Doklam) standoff in 2017 and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Yet, despite the heightened tensions, both countries acknowledged the need to de-escalate the situation to maintain regional stability. In October 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, and agreed to revive various dialogue mechanisms. Following this development, the 23rd meeting of Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Question was held in Beijing in December 2024, where Indian National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed measures to advance the de-escalation process.

Following this, measures were taken to establish new communication channels to avoid future misunderstandings between the two nations. Both sides embraced Track II diplomacy involving think tanks, academics, and business communities. These informal dialogues between non-governmental actors helped create a more conducive environment for formal negotiations and enhanced trust between the two neighbors. Recently, consensuses to resume Indian pilgrimages to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, trans-border river cooperation, and direct air services have brought significant progress.

Although bilateral trade has grown significantly in recent years, the trade imbalance remains a notable issue for India. The country hopes to increase its exports of goods and services to China, particularly in the IT and pharmaceutical sectors. The two neighbors can also collaborate in sectors such as renewable energy, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence to foster win-win partnerships. Moreover, people-to-people exchange would promote even more mutual understanding. Recent revival of cultural programs and educational collaboration has proved an encouraging development to this end.

Another sector for collaboration that could enhance bilateral relations is tackling regional and global security challenges such as terrorism and cyber threats. The two countries can also explore opportunities for collaboration on issues such as climate change and public health to demonstrate their commitment to global governance and contribute towards a more stable and peaceful world.

The 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations should present an opportunity to celebrate advancements and reflect on the challenges. By maintaining constructive dialogue, addressing core issues, and fostering mutual understanding, both nations can work towards a future of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. The journey may be long and winding, but continual efforts will ensure hope for the prospects of the bilateral relations.

The author is a freelance columnist based in Bangalore. She has expertise on topics such as geopolitics, economics, culture, and climate change.