• India and China reported "steady progress" in relations after recent high-level talks in New Delhi.
• Indian Prime Minister Modi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed improving ties while addressing border disputes.
• Modi is set to visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, marking his first visit in seven years.
• The U.S. has imposed significant tariffs on Indian goods, influencing India’s renewed engagements with China.
• Both countries are exploring cooperative measures, including trade in rare earths and easing restrictions on direct flights.

During a recent meeting in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi affirmed that India and China are experiencing a "steady progress" in their diplomatic relations, a significant development given the tense history between the two nuclear powers following the deadly border clash in 2020. Modi emphasized that the improvement in ties is rooted in "respect for each other's interests and sensitivities," aiming for stable and constructive bilateral relations that will enhance regional and global peace, according to aa, aljazeera, and latimes.

Wang Yi's visit, his first to India in three years, was marked by discussions on de-escalation and boundary negotiations, referring to the contentious border dispute that had strained relations. The meeting also resulted in agreements to resume direct flights and expedite visa processing for journalists and business professionals, reflecting a broader agreement to facilitate cross-border exchanges, as reported by scmp and lemonde.

Modi is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin later this month, which will be his first visit to China in seven years. This summit presents a vital opportunity for Modi to engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a vital aspect in the broader context of strengthening bilateral relations amidst economic challenges globally, according to thejakartapost and scmp.

The revitalization of ties between India and China coincides with rising tensions in U.S.-India relations, exacerbated by steep tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Indian goods, which are set to rise to 50%. These tariffs highlight the shifting geopolitical dynamics and have pushed India to reassess its relationship with China, fostering renewed dialogues on trade in strategic sectors including rare earth minerals, as indicated by sources such as indiatimes and scmp.

Analysts suggest that the recent diplomatic engagements may result in a precarious balance, termed a "cold peace," given the lingering distrust between the nations and unresolved territorial disputes. Experts like Harsh Pant emphasize the necessity for political compromise to ensure continued progress, especially as both countries navigate the complexities brought on by U.S. trade policies and regional security dynamics involving Pakistan, as detailed by scmp and scmp.