Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remarks on a ‘dragon-elephant tango’ to describe India-China relations come at a crucial juncture as both countries attempt to reset their ties after a prolonged freeze due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh since 2020. In a congratulatory message to President Droupadi Murmu on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Xi emphasized the importance of India and China being partners in mutual achievement. His statement, carried by China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, underscored the need for both countries to promote a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations.
Xi’s comments signal a renewed diplomatic push to normalize relations, particularly as border tensions gradually ease. He highlighted the historical significance of both India and China as ancient civilizations and major developing nations, noting that both are at a critical stage in their modernization efforts. Xi reaffirmed his willingness to collaborate with India in strengthening exchanges across various sectors, deepening coordination on global affairs, and ensuring peace along the shared border. He also stressed that stability in India-China relations would contribute to global peace and prosperity.
President Murmu reciprocated by calling for a stable, predictable, and friendly bilateral relationship, emphasizing that a sound partnership between the two nations would benefit not just their own populations but also the wider world. Her remarks suggest that India remains open to constructive engagement with China despite unresolved border disputes. The significance of her message lies in its emphasis on mutual respect and trust as the foundation for cooperation, particularly in economic, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Apart from Xi and Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang also exchanged congratulatory messages on the anniversary of diplomatic ties. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed the exchange, indicating that diplomatic communication remains active at the highest levels. Modi’s message focused on the necessity of maintaining stability, strengthening trade relations, and enhancing people-to-people ties. His statement also highlighted the importance of resolving border tensions through dialogue and diplomacy, a stance that has been India’s consistent approach in dealing with China.
In terms of border security, progress continues on the de-escalation process in eastern Ladakh. China had earlier stated that it was cooperating with India to implement resolutions aimed at ending the standoff. Following the October 2023 agreement on disengagement at Demchok and Depsang, both countries have maintained a steady pace in reducing troop deployments in the region. The ongoing withdrawal is a significant step in resolving tensions that peaked after the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. However, challenges remain in addressing the broader border disputes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where both sides continue to maintain military presence at strategic points.
Diplomatic engagements between India and China have intensified over the past year. Modi and Xi met in Kazan, Russia, in October 2023, marking their first face-to-face discussion in five years, where they agreed to revive dialogue mechanisms. This was followed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in December during the 23rd Special Representative dialogue in Beijing, focusing on furthering the de-escalation process. More recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with Wang on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, where they addressed broader geopolitical concerns and global conflicts. These diplomatic exchanges highlight a concerted effort to maintain open communication channels and prevent further deterioration in bilateral ties.
Economic relations between the two nations also play a significant role in shaping diplomatic interactions. China remains one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade crossing $136 billion in 2023, despite ongoing tensions. However, India has been actively working to reduce its economic dependence on China by promoting domestic manufacturing and strengthening trade partnerships with other nations. The Indian government has implemented policies to scrutinize Chinese investments, particularly in critical sectors such as telecommunications, semiconductors, and infrastructure. At the same time, Chinese companies continue to have a strong presence in the Indian market, particularly in consumer electronics, automotive components, and pharmaceuticals.
From China’s perspective, maintaining stable relations with India is crucial as it navigates increasing global scrutiny, economic slowdowns, and rivalry with the United States. The Chinese leadership views India as a key player in the Global South and recognizes its growing influence in international organizations such as the G20, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). With both countries advocating for a multipolar world order, there are areas of convergence where cooperation can be mutually beneficial. However, differences in strategic interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, continue to pose challenges to closer collaboration.
India’s stance on China has been cautious but firm. While emphasizing diplomatic engagement, New Delhi has also strengthened its strategic partnerships with countries like the United States, Japan, and Australia, particularly through forums like the Quad. India has also increased its defense capabilities along the LAC, investing in infrastructure development and advanced surveillance mechanisms. The Indian government has made it clear that peace along the border is a prerequisite for normalizing relations, a position reiterated by both Modi and Jaishankar in their interactions with Chinese officials.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the border de-escalation process is proceeding as scheduled. While challenges remain in fully restoring trust between the two nations, these diplomatic efforts suggest a shared commitment to preventing further deterioration in relations. The latest developments indicate a cautious but steady thaw in ties, driven by mutual economic and strategic interests. However, the long-term stability of India-China relations will depend on how effectively both sides manage lingering border disputes and competing regional ambitions.
As the Lok Sabha gears up for this crucial session, all eyes will be on the proceedings to see how the debate unfolds and whether any last-minute compromises or changes are introduced to address the concerns of opposition leaders. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this ‘dragon-elephant tango’ will lead to a lasting rapprochement or remain a delicate balancing act in a complex geopolitical landscape.
