India-China ties ‘better’ than a couple of years ago: Jaishankar
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reports improving ties with China following border resolution and progress in US-India trade negotiations. These developments signal a strategic recalibration in India's foreign policy amidst complex global diplomatic challenges.
A Shift in Diplomatic Momentum: India’s Evolving Global Stance
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent remarks at the Asia Society in New York mark a significant moment in India's foreign policy trajectory. Speaking at the conclusion of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar provided a candid assessment of India’s bilateral relationships with two of the world's most influential powers: China and the United States. His observations suggest that India is navigating a delicate balance, moving toward normalcy with Beijing while simultaneously attempting to refine its economic and security partnership with Washington.
Normalizing Ties with China
The relationship between India and China, which has been severely strained by years of border standoffs, appears to be entering a phase of cautious stabilization. Jaishankar explicitly noted that ties are "better" than they were in 2024 and 2025. This improvement is attributed directly to the resolution of specific border issues, a prerequisite for any broader diplomatic thaw. The recent participation of President Xi Jinping in the BRICS Leaders' Summit hosted by New Delhi serves as a visible indicator of this diplomatic opening, signaling a departure from the deep freeze that characterized the post-Galwan era.
The Complexity of India-US Relations
While the China narrative focuses on border resolution, the dialogue with the United States centers on economic integration and persistent security concerns. Jaishankar acknowledged that while a trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington would undoubtedly strengthen bilateral ties, the path to such a deal is fraught with complexity. He noted that initial expectations for rapid progress have been tempered by the "complex ground reality" of trade negotiations, highlighting that both nations are still working through substantive policy differences.
Addressing the Empathy Gap
Beyond trade, Jaishankar candidly addressed the underlying tensions in the India-US partnership, specifically citing a "lack of empathy" regarding India's terror concerns as a significant weight on the relationship. This highlights a recurring theme in Indian foreign policy: the demand that strategic partners fully appreciate India’s domestic security challenges. By bringing this concern to the forefront during a high-profile engagement in New York, the Minister is emphasizing that true bilateral depth requires alignment on security threats as much as it requires economic cooperation.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
Looking forward, the trajectory of these relationships suggests a more pragmatic, issue-based approach by the Indian government. By decoupling border stability from broader geopolitical competition with China, and by insisting on security empathy from the US, India is asserting its autonomy. The "understanding" reached on trade with the US, though incomplete, indicates that both nations remain committed to finding common ground. As these diplomatic threads weave together, India’s ability to manage these competing interests will be the defining feature of its foreign policy in the coming years.
Conclusion
Ultimately, S. Jaishankar’s insights reflect a period of transition. Whether it is the resolution of border disputes to facilitate better ties with Beijing or the rigorous, often slow-moving process of negotiating trade with Washington, the overarching theme is one of calculated progress. As the global landscape continues to shift, India’s focus remains on ensuring that these bilateral improvements translate into long-term strategic stability and economic growth.
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