India-China Relations Gradually Normalising Since Kazan Summit, Says Jaishankar; Calls for Fair Trade and Border Stability

Manila, July 2026 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that India-China relations have been steadily moving towards normalisation since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Kazan in 2024. Stressing the need for mutual respect, balanced trade and sustained peace along the border, Jaishankar said both nations must continue working together to build a stable and cooperative relationship.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN engagements in Manila, Jaishankar noted that the interaction between the two leaders in Kazan marked a turning point in bilateral ties. He added that the positive momentum was reinforced during their subsequent meeting in Tianjin last year, reflecting a shared commitment to improving relations.

The External Affairs Minister underlined that India believes a stable partnership between the two neighbouring countries should be based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity. According to him, stronger India-China ties would not only benefit the two countries but also contribute significantly to the emergence of a multipolar Asia and a multipolar world.

Jaishankar emphasised that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains the foundation for restoring normal bilateral relations. He said both countries have been working since October 2024 to preserve stability in the border areas and that this objective requires continued attention from both sides. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the existing diplomatic and military mechanisms responsible for maintaining border peace.

Highlighting the complexity of the relationship, Jaishankar observed that as two major neighbouring powers, India and China naturally have distinct national interests. However, he reiterated the understanding reached by the two leaders that differences should not be allowed to escalate into disputes, adding that diplomacy carries the responsibility of managing such differences constructively.

The minister welcomed a series of confidence-building measures undertaken in recent months to improve bilateral engagement. These include the resumption of direct passenger flights between the two countries, revisions to visa arrangements, the revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the reopening of border trade routes. He said these developments represent important steps in rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation.

While acknowledging the progress, Jaishankar also highlighted areas that require greater attention. He called for fair and equitable market access for Indian businesses, a more balanced trade relationship and improved predictability in global supply chains. He noted that these economic issues are increasingly significant in shaping bilateral relations and should be addressed through sustained dialogue.

The External Affairs Minister further stressed the need to facilitate greater official exchanges and strengthen people-to-people contacts. He said both governments should also work towards scheduling meetings of various bilateral mechanisms and institutional platforms in accordance with mutually agreed priorities.

Jaishankar also expressed appreciation for China’s support towards BRICS initiatives under India’s current presidency, indicating that multilateral cooperation continues to remain an important pillar of engagement despite existing differences.

The meeting between Jaishankar and Wang Yi comes amid continued diplomatic efforts by both countries to stabilise relations following years of tensions along the border. With recent confidence-building measures gathering pace, both sides appear focused on rebuilding trust while addressing outstanding political, economic and strategic concerns through dialogue.

The discussions in Manila are expected to provide further momentum to ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, ensuring border stability and expanding engagement across trade, connectivity and regional platforms.