India-China Relations Improved Post-Border Standoff

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that India’s relationship with China is better today than it was in the previous few years, following progress in easing tensions along the countries’ disputed border. He made the remarks while speaking at an Asia Society event in New York on September 29, 2026.

Jaishankar said the improvement in relations followed steps to resolve the prolonged border standoff that began after tensions escalated in 2020. He explained that the situation at the border had affected several areas of India-China engagement, including official exchanges, visas and flights.

According to Jaishankar, once the border situation began moving towards normalcy, it was natural for other parts of the bilateral relationship to gradually improve as well. He also said both countries had recognised that remaining locked in a prolonged confrontation did not serve their interests.

However, Jaishankar cautioned that the improvement should not be viewed as a complete transformation of the relationship. He said the condition of the border remains an important factor in determining how far relations between India and China can be normalised.

The two countries continue to have differences on several issues, including border matters and trade. India has also maintained that peace and stability along the border are important for the broader development of bilateral relations.

Jaishankar’s comments indicate that India-China relations have entered a period of increased engagement after years of tensions, while significant differences between the two countries remain.