Reuters: China and India seek to put old grievances behind them

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to New Delhi this week, his first trip to India in seven years, could help ease diplomatic tensions between the two Asian powers, although there are few signs yet of a breakthrough in their economic ties.

Businesses in both countries continue to face obstacles, including investment delays due to regulatory requirements, visa restrictions, and bans on the import of industrial equipment, highlighting the gap between diplomatic progress and economic relations, according to Reuters.

Xi is widely expected to arrive in New Delhi this weekend for the annual BRICS summit, although Beijing has yet to confirm his visit. It also remains unclear whether he will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a potentially crucial encounter that could determine the future direction of bilateral relations.

China and India fought a brief war in 1962, setting the stage for decades of cautious relations. Tensions deteriorated further following a 2020 border clash that left 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead.

“China certainly wants to improve ties, but we are waiting to see to what extent India is actually willing to improve them,” said Lin Minwang, a former Chinese embassy diplomat in New Delhi. In his view, a major breakthrough in bilateral ties is unlikely.

By Jeyhun Aghazada