Beijing, April 1 — Leaders of India and China exchanged congratulatory messages on Tuesday to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, signaling efforts to reset ties after more than four years of tensions stemming from the eastern Ladakh military standoff.
“Today marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated during a media briefing.
Guo emphasized that both countries, rooted in ancient civilizations and now key players in the Global South, are undergoing crucial phases of modernization. He described the bilateral relationship as a cooperative one — a "dance of the dragon and the elephant" — and stressed that working as partners serves the mutual interests of both nations.
"China stands ready to work with India to view and handle bilateral relations with a strategic and long-term perspective," Guo said, adding that both sides are implementing the consensus reached by their top leaders.
He further called for enhanced communication and coordination in global affairs, along with efforts to preserve peace and stability along the border areas, which have been a key flashpoint in recent years.
On March 25, officials from both countries held a round of talks in Beijing focusing on effective border management and restarting cross-border engagements, such as cooperation on trans-border rivers and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
In a subsequent meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs, the two sides explored ways to implement agreements from the December SRs dialogue between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The talks aimed at rebuilding bilateral relations by restoring people-to-people connections, including resuming direct flights and the revered pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar.
Both sides also agreed to revive dormant dialogue mechanisms in a phased manner to address key areas of interest and foster a more "stable and predictable" relationship, according to the MEA.
As both nations commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties, they are cautiously optimistic about placing relations on a constructive trajectory, with specific celebratory events to be announced in the coming months.
Leaders Exchange Messages to Reaffirm Commitment
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, along with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, exchanged formal messages to commemorate the milestone. The exchange reflects a mutual intent to recalibrate relations between the two Asian giants.“Today marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated during a media briefing.
Guo emphasized that both countries, rooted in ancient civilizations and now key players in the Global South, are undergoing crucial phases of modernization. He described the bilateral relationship as a cooperative one — a "dance of the dragon and the elephant" — and stressed that working as partners serves the mutual interests of both nations.
Strategic Guidance Driving Reengagement
Underlining the significance of leadership in navigating diplomatic relations, Guo referred to the meeting between Xi and Modi during the BRICS summit in Kazan last year. He noted that under the strategic direction of both leaders, the two countries are making strides in improving mutual trust and broadening cooperation across various sectors."China stands ready to work with India to view and handle bilateral relations with a strategic and long-term perspective," Guo said, adding that both sides are implementing the consensus reached by their top leaders.
He further called for enhanced communication and coordination in global affairs, along with efforts to preserve peace and stability along the border areas, which have been a key flashpoint in recent years.
Resuming Engagement After Prolonged Freeze
Following last year's high-level interactions, including a Special Representatives (SRs) dialogue and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Beijing, the two nations have initiated a renewed diplomatic push.On March 25, officials from both countries held a round of talks in Beijing focusing on effective border management and restarting cross-border engagements, such as cooperation on trans-border rivers and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
In a subsequent meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs, the two sides explored ways to implement agreements from the December SRs dialogue between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Step-by-Step Approach to Normalisation
On March 26, further discussions took place between Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Liu Jinsong, Director General of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Asian Affairs Department.The talks aimed at rebuilding bilateral relations by restoring people-to-people connections, including resuming direct flights and the revered pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar.
Both sides also agreed to revive dormant dialogue mechanisms in a phased manner to address key areas of interest and foster a more "stable and predictable" relationship, according to the MEA.
As both nations commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties, they are cautiously optimistic about placing relations on a constructive trajectory, with specific celebratory events to be announced in the coming months.
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