India and China discuss positive steps to improve bilateral relations, focusing on people-centric engagement, business cooperation, and BRICS collaboration. Diplomatic talks highlight efforts toward normalisation, trust-building, and enhanced multilateral cooperation in the new year.
India and China have renewed efforts to stabilise and improve their bilateral relationship, with senior officials from both sides engaging in detailed discussions focused on rebuilding trust, enhancing people-centric cooperation, and advancing diplomatic normalisation. The dialogue reflects cautious optimism as the two Asian giants seek to move forward after years of strained ties.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday underlined the importance of taking positive and constructive steps to create a conducive environment for improved bilateral relations during his meeting with Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC). Sun Haiyan is on an official visit to India from January 12 to January 14, signalling sustained diplomatic outreach between the two nations.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions focused on the progress achieved so far in stabilising and rebuilding India-China relations, with particular emphasis on business cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides also explored pathways to take bilateral engagement forward in the new year, highlighting a shared interest in gradual normalisation.
The Chinese side congratulated India on assuming the chairship of BRICS this year and expressed strong support for a successful BRICS Summit to be hosted by India. The endorsement reflects Beijing’s willingness to cooperate with New Delhi on multilateral platforms, even as bilateral challenges persist.
During the meeting, Sun Haiyan shared her impressions from the visit, including interactions with Indian media, think tanks, and political parties. She also conveyed China’s expectations to strengthen exchanges under the MEA–IDCPC Programme, which serves as an important institutional mechanism for dialogue between the two countries.
Foreign Secretary Misri emphasised that rebuilding bilateral ties requires a deeper understanding between the people of India and China. He highlighted the need to create the right environment through positive actions that foster mutual trust and confidence. The MEA noted that both sides reiterated their commitment to implementing the important directions provided by their respective leaders and to advancing bilateral relations along a path of normalisation.
The talks also included a review of the positive momentum witnessed in recent months, with discussions on further enhancing people-to-people exchanges such as academic, cultural, and business interactions. Sensitive issues of mutual concern were addressed with an emphasis on dialogue and diplomatic engagement rather than confrontation.
The diplomatic activity extended beyond this meeting. On Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the launch event for BRICS India 2026 preparations. The event marked the unveiling of the BRICS 2026 logo, theme, and official website, underscoring India’s proactive role as the incoming chair.
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Following the meeting, Ambassador Xu Feihong described the interaction as a pleasant conversation and expressed optimism about future cooperation. In a post on X, he stated that China, as a founding member of BRICS, looks forward to working with India and other partners to advance high-quality development and strengthen greater BRICS cooperation.
India has made it clear that its BRICS chairship will be guided by a “Humanity-first” and “people-centric” approach. The focus will be on building resilience, fostering innovation, enhancing cooperation, and promoting sustainability among member nations. This approach aligns with India’s broader foreign policy emphasis on inclusive growth and global development.
The recent engagements indicate that while challenges remain, both India and China recognise the importance of sustained dialogue and pragmatic cooperation. By prioritising people-centric initiatives, economic engagement, and multilateral collaboration, the two countries appear to be cautiously laying the groundwork for a more stable and constructive relationship in the coming years.
