Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Jaishankar Says India-China Ties Improve as Border Remains Key
India and China had a serious problem after a border stand-off in 2020.
Their relationship became much worse, although they continued trading.
Official meetings, visas and flights were also disrupted.
S. Jaishankar said relations are now better than they were in 2025 and 2024.
He said this is mainly a recovery from a very low point, not proof that every problem is solved.
The border is still the most important test of the relationship.
If the border becomes calmer, other contacts can return more easily.
Jaishankar also said India wants useful relationships with many countries instead of depending too heavily on one.
He described this approach as part of a world that is becoming more multipolar.
S. Jaishankar said India-China relations are better than in 2025 and improved further compared with 2024.
He described the change as recovery from the severe deterioration caused by the 2020 border stand-off, not a structural transformation.
Trade continued during the tensions, while official exchanges, visas and flights were disrupted and have begun to resume.
Jaishankar said the condition of the disputed frontier will determine how far broader relations can be normalised.
He linked India’s approach to seeking practical solutions while balancing ties with China, the United States, Europe, Japan, Russia and other partners.
- Who
- India, China and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- What
- Jaishankar said India-China ties have improved but that lasting normalisation depends on peace and stability along their disputed border.
- When
- The remarks were made on a Monday during the current period of improving ties; the articles do not provide an exact date.
- Where
- New York, during a conversation hosted by the Asia Society.
- Why
- The easing of the border stand-off allowed disrupted contacts to resume, while India considers the border’s condition the key requirement for deeper normalisation.
- Speaker
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
- Comparison
- Jaishankar said relations are better than in 2025 and better still compared with 2024.
- Main assessment
- The improvement is largely a recovery from the deterioration that followed the 2020 stand-off, rather than a structural change.
- Border principle
- Jaishankar said the state of the border determines the state of the broader relationship.
- Disrupted contacts
- Official exchanges, visa issuance and flights were affected, while trade continued.
- Recent developments
- Increased flights and official engagement were cited as signs of returning contact; the articles also mention Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent India visit for the BRICS Leaders’ Summit.
- Wider policy
- India is seeking to balance relationships with China, the United States, Europe, Japan, Russia and other partners.
