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India and China held fresh border talks at Chushul-Moldo, aiming to ease tensions along the LAC. Amid slow thaw since 2020 clashes, both sides pledged dialogue, signaling cautious steps toward stability and possibly a surprising reset in ties.
Meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both militaries to maintain stability.
New Delhi: India and China have conducted a new round of border talks aimed at strengthening communication and reducing tensions along the western sector of their disputed frontier. Both sides agreed to maintain “active and in-depth dialogue” through military and diplomatic channels, according to China’s Defence Ministry.
The 23rd round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meetings took place on October 25 at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side. The discussions focused on improving coordination, managing sensitive zones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and reinforcing mechanisms to prevent misunderstandings.
“The talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in an official press release, noting that this was the first General Level Mechanism meeting in the Western Sector since the 24th round of Special Representatives Talks on August 19, 2025.
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Beijing stated that the meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both militaries to avoid misunderstandings and maintain stability in the western sector. While India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not issued a separate statement, officials have previously described recent engagements as “constructive” and conducive to easing longstanding border frictions.
The talks build on a July 2025 round in eastern Ladakh, which China described as “candid.” Following that meeting, New Delhi noted that it was “satisfied with the general prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the border areas,” viewing the discussions as a positive step toward the gradual normalization of ties.
The renewed engagement comes amid a slow thaw in bilateral relations since the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020, which resulted in casualties on both sides. Despite persistent friction points, both nations are focusing on sustaining calm through dialogue and confidence-building measures. A subsequent round of talks is expected later this year.
India and China share one of the world’s most complex relationships. They are regional rivals that fought a border war in 1962, and tensions have periodically escalated, including during the 2017 Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan clash.
Despite political and military strains, economic ties continue to grow. China supplies key technology and materials vital to India’s manufacturing sector, while India’s expanding middle class represents an increasingly important market for Chinese goods.
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Bilateral trade reached $127 billion last year, with $109 billion coming from Chinese exports. This underscores how economic necessity continues to anchor the relationship, even amid geopolitical rivalry.
Recent developments signal a potential reset in ties. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China in August 2025 for the first time in seven years, attending a security summit. At the end of October, India and China also resumed direct passenger flights from Kolkata, marking the first such service in five years. The restored route is expected to enhance tourism, education, and business travel.
Relations have seen periodic strains, including India’s visa suspensions for Chinese nationals, restrictions on Chinese technology, and bans on apps like TikTok. Suspicion over defense support to Pakistan has also fueled tensions, yet both countries continue to seek stability while maintaining robust trade and strategic dialogue.
