Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today, marking his first visit to India in three years. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 PM at the PM’s residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The visit comes just days ahead of Modi’s planned trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping. If confirmed, it will be Modi’s first visit to China in seven years.
Mending Strained Ties
Relations between India and China have been strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, but recent gestures indicate efforts to ease tensions. Beijing has relaxed restrictions on urea exports, while New Delhi has restored tourist visas for Chinese nationals. Indian businesses have also begun exploring new partnerships with Chinese firms, including in technology transfers.
On Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Wang Yi and stressed the need to rebuild trust. “Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, both nations now seek to move ahead. Differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict,” he said.
Wang Yi echoed a similar sentiment, saying both sides should treat each other as “partners and opportunities, not opponents or threats,” and jointly work to promote multipolarity in global politics.
Trade and Geopolitical Context
The talks also take place against the backdrop of rising tensions between India and the US. President Donald Trump has recently doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% and imposed an additional 25% penalty for purchases of Russian oil, moves that have put pressure on New Delhi’s economy.
Analysts see Wang’s visit as part of a wider effort by both India and China to stabilise relations, boost trade, and reduce reliance on the US at a time of shifting global dynamics.
What Lies Ahead
Today’s discussions between Modi and Wang are expected to cover:
- Confidence-building measures along the border.
- Expanding economic cooperation, including technology partnerships.
- Coordination on multilateral platforms like SCO and BRICS.
- Ways to balance ties amid growing friction with the United States.
Diplomatic observers say the meeting could set the tone for Modi’s upcoming trip to China and determine how quickly both countries can move from confrontation toward cautious cooperation.
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