Cooperative Partners Instead Of Rivals: China After Strategic Dialogue With India

New Delhi witnessed a fresh round of the India-China Strategic Dialogue on February 10, with both sides underscoring the need to view their relationship through a long-term and strategic lens. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met China's Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu for discussions that were described as friendly, candid and in-depth. The talks covered the international and regional situation, respective policies, and the state of bilateral ties.

China's Foreign Ministry issued a statement stressing that India and China should treat each other as cooperative partners rather than rivals, and as development opportunities rather than threats. It added that both nations must deepen mutual trust, expand cooperation, and manage differences responsibly to ensure relations progress along a stable track.

The emphasis was on implementing the understandings reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during their meetings in Kazan in October 2024 and Tianjin in August 2025. These encounters marked a thaw after years of strained ties following the Ladakh border tensions that began in 2020.

"Both sides underlined that given the complex and profound changes in the international situation,China and India should work together to earnestly implement the important common understandings reached between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, view and handle China-lndia relations from a strategic and long-term perspective,and uphold the strategic perception that China and India are cooperative partners instead of rivals, and the two countries are each other's development opportunity instead of threat," the statement said.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs echoed similar sentiments, noting that the dialogue focused on stabilising and rebuilding ties while exploring ways to take engagement forward. Both sides agreed that peace and tranquility along the border remain essential for overall progress in relations. India highlighted the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and expressed hope for its expansion. Discussions also touched upon the need for an updated Air Services Agreement, visa facilitation, and greater people-to-people exchanges.

On the multilateral front, India and China pledged support for each other's upcoming BRICS chairmanships in 2026 and 2027. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, the central role of the United Nations, and strengthening unity among the Global South. Both sides agreed to work together for a multipolar world order that safeguards fairness and justice, while contributing to peace and development in Asia and beyond.

China conveyed its support for India's BRICS Summit this year and acknowledged India's aspirations for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. The dialogue thus reflected cautious optimism, with both sides signaling a willingness to rebuild trust and align on global issues, even as differences remain. For India, the focus on border stability, cultural exchanges, and multilateral cooperation highlights a pragmatic approach to managing ties with its northern neighbour.