China and India: Navigating De-escalation and Bilateral Relations

China seeks to leverage the de-escalation of tensions along the Line of Actual Control with India, aiming to stabilize their relations and mitigate the strengthening of US-India ties, the US Department of War indicates. An agreement to disengage from standoff sites along the LAC was reached shortly before a high-profile meeting at the BRICS Summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This encounter initiated ongoing high-level discussions concerning various diplomatic sectors, including border management and cultural exchanges. While India remains cautious of China’s intentions, this diplomatic thaw features resumed direct flights and visa facilitations. However,…