India and China held a new round of border talks aimed at boosting communication and reducing tensions along the western part of their disputed border. The two sides agreed to maintain “active and deep dialogue” through military and diplomatic channels, China’s Defense Ministry said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
The latest discussions were held on the Indian side of the meeting venue on Saturday and focused on improving coordination and management of sensitive zones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
India and China pledge to maintain dialogue
Beijing said the meeting reaffirmed the two militaries’ commitment to avoid misunderstandings and maintain stability in the western sector.
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India’s Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue a statement, but officials have previously characterized the recent talks as “constructive” and helping to ease long-standing border friction.
The talks follow a July meeting in eastern Ladakh
In July, India and China held discussions along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, which China described as “sincere”.
After this round, New Delhi said it was “satisfied with the general prevalence of peace and tranquility in the border areas”, describing the talks as a positive step towards the gradual normalization of relations.
India and China see gradual thaw, continued caution
The renewed engagement comes amid a slow thaw in relations since a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020. While several sticking points remain unresolved, both countries appear focused on maintaining calm through sustained dialogue and confidence-building measures. Another round of negotiations is expected later this year.
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India and China share one of the most complicated relationships in the world. The two most populous nations remain regional rivals who fought a border war in the 1960s, and relations have remained strained since deadly clashes in 2020 that killed soldiers on both sides.
Despite their political and military friction, mutual economic dependence continues to grow. China supplies key technologies and materials important to India’s manufacturing ambitions, while India’s growing middle class provides an increasingly important consumer market for Chinese goods.
Since former US President Donald Trump’s trade war with both countries, Delhi and Beijing have stepped up efforts to stabilize relations. In late August 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time in seven years to attend a security summit, signaling a possible resumption of ties.
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In late October, the first passenger flight between India and China took off from Kolkata, five years after direct flights were suspended. The renewed route is expected to enhance bilateral engagement through increased tourism, education and business travel.
Relations had previously hit rock bottom following the Doklam standoff in 2017 and again in 2020 during the Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh. In response, India suspended tourist visas for Chinese nationals, imposed restrictions on Chinese technology and banned apps such as TikTok. It has also rejected billion-dollar investment proposals from BYD and Great Wall Motor, while moving closer to the United States amid a growing rivalry with China.
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Suspicions continued this year after Pakistan claimed that Chinese J-10C fighter jets were used to shoot down Indian aircraft during the brief conflict. India has accused China of providing defense and satellite support to its neighbour. Beijing, meanwhile, is concerned about India’s efforts to attract investment in manufacturing, tightening controls on skilled labor and dismissing Chinese employees working in India.
Still, the business proved resilient. China remains India’s second-largest trading partner after the United States, with bilateral trade reaching $127 billion last year — $109 billion of which came from Chinese exports. The data underscores how economic necessity continues to anchor one of Asia’s most uneasy relationships.
