BJP and Chinese Communist Party Hold First Meeting Since Galwan Clashes

In a significant diplomatic move, a delegation from the Communist Party of China met with BJP officials in New Delhi, marking their first engagement since the 2020 Galwan clashes. This meeting, led by Sun Haiyan, aimed to enhance communication between the two parties. The discussions come amid a backdrop of strained relations following border tensions and are set against a thaw in bilateral ties, with agreements on direct flights and visa easing. The Chinese delegation is also expected to meet with the Opposition Congress party, highlighting the ongoing political discourse surrounding India-China relations. This article delves into the implications of this meeting and the historical context of BJP and CPC interactions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 13:08 IST

Significant Diplomatic Engagement

A delegation from the Communist Party of China engaged with officials from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi on Monday, marking their first interaction since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes.

Vijay Chauthaiwale, who leads the BJP’s foreign affairs division, announced on social media that the Chinese delegation, headed by Sun Haiyan, vice-president of the international liaison department, visited the BJP headquarters.

During the meeting, a BJP team led by General Secretary Arun Singh discussed ways to enhance communication between the BJP and the Communist Party of China, as noted by Chauthaiwale.

The six-member Chinese delegation is scheduled to meet with members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Tuesday, as reported by a local media outlet. The RSS serves as the parent organization of the BJP.

Since the late 2000s, the BJP and the Communist Party of China have maintained a dialogue, with several BJP delegations visiting China to meet with its leaders.

A notable visit occurred in 2009 when BJP and RSS leaders traveled to China.

This recent meeting is particularly significant as it follows heightened border tensions between India and China that escalated in June 2020, resulting in a violent confrontation in Ladakh's Galwan Valley, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers, while China reported four casualties.

The clashes have led to a deterioration in relations between the two nations. Both countries have engaged in multiple rounds of military and diplomatic discussions to address their border disputes.

In October 2024, an agreement was reached regarding a patrolling arrangement along the Line of Actual Control, which facilitated the disengagement of military forces in eastern Ladakh.

This agreement was finalized just days before a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in Kazan, marking their first formal interaction since the military standoff began.

The recent meeting also occurs amid a thaw in bilateral relations, with New Delhi and Beijing agreeing last year to restore direct flights, ease visa restrictions, and resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Additionally, the Chinese delegation is expected to meet with members of the Opposition Congress party, according to unnamed sources.

The BJP and Congress have exchanged accusations regarding their relationships with China.

The BJP has repeatedly claimed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other party members signed a 'secret' Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Communist Party during a visit to Beijing in 2018, as reported by a media outlet.

Furthermore, the BJP alleged that Gandhi met with Chinese officials at their embassy in Delhi during the Doklam standoff in 2017, which the Opposition party has denied.

Conversely, the Congress has accused Modi of being 'scared of China' and not responding adequately to Beijing's aggressive actions along the Line of Actual Control.