India, China Discuss Path to Improved Ties Amid Ongoing Normalisation Efforts

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New Delhi: In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations, India and China have agreed to take positive steps to create a conducive environment for normalisation. This was highlighted by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a meeting with Sun Haiyan, a senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Vice Minister of the CPC's international department. Sun arrived in India on January 12 as part of an outreach to political parties, academia, and the media. Her visit comes at a time when India-China relations have been impacted by several issues, including India's opposition to Chinese infrastructure projects in the occupied Shaksgam valley and the detention of an Indian woman at Shanghai airport. Despite these challenges, both sides reiterated their commitment to implementing the directions provided by their leaders to advance bilateral relations on the path of normalisation. The discussions covered progress in stabilising and rebuilding ties, with a focus on business and people-centric engagements. Sun briefed Misri on her visit, including interactions with Indian media, think tanks, and political parties. The Chinese side also congratulated India on assuming the BRICS chairship and expressed strong support for a successful summit of the grouping. The meeting marked a significant development in India-China relations, with leaders of the ruling BJP and RSS meeting with Sun and her delegation. This is the first time such interactions have taken place in over five years. However, the Congress party raised concerns over the timing and intent of the meeting, citing China's claim to the Shaksgam valley. The Indian government has formally raised these issues with China, which could impact the normalisation process that began after the two sides ended the stand-off on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in October 2024.