NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 29: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that India-China relations are “better” today compared with a couple of years ago, attributing the improvement largely to progress in resolving tensions along the border.
Speaking during a conversation hosted by the Asia Society in New York, Jaishankar said the relationship had significantly deteriorated following the 2020 border standoff, which affected several areas of bilateral engagement.
“If you asked me, compared to where you were in 2025, is the relationship better today? I would say yes. Compared to 2024, even more so,” he said.
Jaishankar said the improvement should not necessarily be viewed as a major structural change, but rather as a result of stabilising a relationship that had been severely affected by the prolonged border situation.
Following the 2020 standoff, normal contacts between the two countries were disrupted, including official exchanges, visa issuance and flights, although bilateral trade continued.
He said the gradual resolution of the border standoff created conditions for broader relations to move towards normalcy.
Jaishankar also emphasised what he described as a basic principle of statecraft: prolonged tensions between two countries can create opportunities for third parties.
He said India had consistently conveyed to China that a prolonged standoff did not serve the interests of either country and that both sides eventually had an interest in stabilising relations.
According to Jaishankar, the condition of the border and the broader bilateral relationship are closely connected. He said that as the border situation moves towards normalcy, relations between the two countries can also improve.
Speaking about the wider international environment, Jaishankar said the world is moving visibly towards greater multipolarity.
He pointed to changes in global alliances and increasing strategic competition between major powers, saying countries are now reassessing their partnerships and looking at ways to reduce risks and diversify their relationships.
Referring to recent interactions between the United States and China, Jaishankar said other countries are also seeking their own approaches to deal with the changing global environment.
He said countries are assessing new partnerships, strengthening existing relationships and looking for ways to maximise their strategic and economic interests.
Jaishankar said these developments were also reflected in discussions among global leaders during the recently concluded high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly.
