Sino-Indian ties demand a fresh start

As China and India commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations, experts say the time is ripe for both countries to move beyond historical tensions and embrace a future built on mutual respect and pragmatic cooperation.

"In a rapidly changing multipolar world, recalibrating the strategic approach toward each other is not just desirable — it's essential," said Mohammed Salim, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and former member of parliament.

He recalled that the deterioration in bilateral ties after the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020 pushed the two countries into a confrontation, which could have spiraled into full-scale conflict.

After the incident, both countries took measures to prevent further escalation, and they have since held 33 rounds of military and diplomatic talks. Years of steady dialogue culminated in a key agreement on Oct 21 on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control, which Salim described as "a welcome step to normalize India-China relations".

This continuous engagement eventually led to a historic bilateral meeting in October between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, the first such encounter since the border standoff.

Both leaders pledged to take concrete steps to stabilize and rebuild the relationship, highlighting the growing urgency for normalization amid an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.

"No other way but talks," Salim said. "India has to figure out a way not only to end the present confrontation but also to chalk out a path to resolve outstanding issues with China.

"Today, as China extends the hand of friendship, it is imperative for India to recognize and respect the opportunities that cooperation offers," he added. "Mutual respect is not a sign of weakness, but the foundation upon which a prosperous future is built. India is encouraged to adopt the right attitude, one that values constructive engagement over suspicion and rivalry."

Geeta Kochhar, an assistant professor of the Center for Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, said, "Resolving border disputes is key to enhancing overall relations, and both nations should build on the spirit of previous meetings between the two leaders to find a mutually acceptable solution."

As major developing countries, India and China face similar challenges, such as poverty reduction, technological advancement, and climate resilience.

"By creating institutional bodies that focus on the needs of the Global South, India and China could promote the concept of 'Asia for the Asians', fostering regional solidarity and advocating for shared development," Kochhar said.

Increasingly vital

Against the backdrop of fast-changing global dynamics, experts stressed that deeper collaboration in multilateral frameworks is becoming increasingly vital.

"Therefore, multilateral cooperation mechanisms like BRICS+ are gaining importance and many countries are openly expressing their desire to join such groupings," Salim said.

India cannot be an outlier, with the geopolitical changes taking place around it, he said, adding that it should maintain good relations with the founding members of the bloc, such as China, rather than have an antagonistic relationship.

Kochhar added, "A respectful and cooperative relationship between the two giants could also inspire other nations to prioritize dialogue and collaboration over conflict."

As both countries mark a significant milestone, experts have urged them to use it as a springboard for deeper engagement.

"This 75-year milestone is not merely a celebration of the past. It is a call to action for the future," Salim said. "By doing so, both nations can write a new chapter defined by peace, prosperity, and a shared commitment to uplifting the developing world."

liujianqiao@chinadaily.com.cn