India and China's leaders, Modi and Xi, commit to revitalizing India-China relations following a long period of border disputes.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made his first visit to China in seven years, attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting alongside other world leaders. The meeting, which also included Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from Central, South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East, marked a significant step towards strengthening India-China relations.

During the meeting, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a bilateral discussion aimed at improving ties between the two countries. The leaders resolved to put aside differences from a years-long border standoff and focus on building a stable and far-reaching relationship. Xi Jinping expressed his belief that such a partnership could be achieved if both sides focus on viewing each other as partners instead of rivals.

In a positive development, an agreement was reached between India and China regarding border management, although the details of the agreement were not disclosed. This agreement is a significant step towards resolving long-standing disputes and fostering a more peaceful and stable environment on their disputed Himalayan border.

Modi stated that India is committed to progressing relations with China based on mutual respect, trust, and sensitivities. This statement echoes the sentiments expressed by Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, who stated that China opposes the steep tariffs on India imposed by Washington and will "firmly stand with India."

The meeting comes five days after the United States imposed punishing 50% tariffs on Indian goods due to New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil. Despite this, India and China have shown a willingness to cooperate, with China agreeing to lift export curbs on rare earths, fertilisers, and tunnel boring machines this month during a visit by China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

In recent months, China has allowed Indian pilgrims to visit Buddhist sites in Tibet, and both countries have lifted reciprocal tourist visa restrictions. This move is expected to boost cultural exchanges and foster a greater understanding between the two nations.

However, concerns remain about the long-running trade deficit between India and China, which reached a record $99.2 billion this year, causing persistent frustration for Indian officials. Additionally, a planned Chinese mega-dam in Tibet has sparked fears of mass water diversion that could reduce water flows on the major Brahmaputra River by up to 85% in the dry season, according to Indian government estimates.

Analysts suggest that Xi and Modi are looking to present a united front against Western pressure. For decades, Washington cultivated ties with India in the hope that it would act as a regional counterweight to China. However, the current state of India-China relations suggests a more complex and nuanced relationship, one that is still evolving and fraught with challenges.

In a positive sign, direct flights between India and China, suspended since 2020, are being resumed. While no timeframe was provided, this move is expected to strengthen economic ties and facilitate cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Manoj Kewalramani, a Sino-Indian relations expert, stated that both India and China are engaged in a lengthy and fraught process of defining a new equilibrium in their relationship. The recent meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping is a significant step towards achieving this equilibrium and fostering a more peaceful and stable relationship between these two Asian giants.

India and China's leaders, Modi and Xi, commit to revitalizing India-China relations following a long period of border disputes.