New Developments in India-China Diplomatic Relations Amidst Longstanding Border Disputes

India and China are experiencing a notable shift in their diplomatic relations following years of border disputes. A high-level delegation from the Communist Party of China recently visited India, engaging in significant discussions with officials from the Bharatiya Janata Party. This visit marks a crucial step towards enhancing communication between the two nations' leading political parties. Historical interactions between the BJP and CPC date back to the late 2000s, but engagement had largely ceased after the 2020 Galwan clash. As both countries work to rebuild trust, high-level meetings and resumed pilgrimages signal a potential thaw in relations. Discover more about the evolving dynamics between India and China in this article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 08:59 IST

Shifts in India-China Diplomatic Relations

After years of ongoing border disputes and tensions, India and China are witnessing a significant shift in their diplomatic relations. Recently, a high-level delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC) visited India, engaging in crucial discussions with officials from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

CPC Delegation's Visit to BJP Headquarters

On Monday, the CPC delegation, led by Sun Hyan, the Deputy Minister of the CPC's International Department, visited the BJP headquarters. Vijay Chauthaiwale, in charge of the BJP's foreign affairs department, shared insights on social media regarding the meeting. The discussions, led by BJP General Secretary Arun Singh, focused on enhancing inter-party dialogue between the BJP and CPC.

Significance of the Visit

Chinese Ambassador to India, Shuh Feihong, was also present with the CPC delegation. According to Chauthaiwale, this visit marks a significant step towards improving communication and coordination between the leading political parties of both nations.

Historical Context of Party-Level Engagement

Historical records indicate that interactions between the BJP and CPC at the party level are not a recent phenomenon. Since the late 2000s, there have been intermittent dialogues, including visits by BJP delegations to China and reciprocal meetings in India. However, this engagement largely ceased following the Galwan clash in 2020.

Current State of India-China Relations

The delegation's meetings with BJP officials complement the state-to-state diplomacy conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs, aligning with Beijing's foreign policy objectives. This visit occurs amidst a notable thaw in India-China relations, which have been strained due to border tensions, including the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020. A pivotal moment came in October 2024 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held their first formal bilateral meeting in five years during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. This meeting paved the way for disengagement agreements in certain areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and initiated several follow-up discussions.

Steps Towards Rebuilding Trust

Since then, both sides have taken concrete steps to rebuild trust. In 2025, the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, significant for many Hindus and suspended since 2020, is set to resume, with discussions ongoing for larger groups in 2026. Direct flight connectivity between mainland China and India has also been reinstated, making it easier for tourists, business travelers, and others to obtain visas.

High-Level Meetings in 2025

The year 2025 is expected to be filled with high-level meetings between the two countries. Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and PM Modi have traveled to China for SCO meetings and summits. Additionally, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has visited India for significant discussions.