India's balancing act in Tianjin

The recently concluded SCO summit in Tianjin displayed India's ability to balance ties with different groupings.

- BY HARSHA KAKAR

Contrary to views, New Delhi's attempts to resolve its differences with Beijing are not due to tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, though these are a factor, but a desire to restore normalcy along a vexed border. Since the Modi-Xi meeting at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, there has been steady mending of fences.

Trump's tariffs were only a catalyst. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval had met Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi in December last year followed by meetings in June and August this year. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar too has met Wang Yi on multiple occasions, including on the sidelines of different forums. The visit of Wang Yi to Delhi a fortnight before the SCO summit was China's way of signalling its intent to improve ties and remove roadblocks.

Most of what was discussed during Wang Yi's visit was firmed up in Tianjin. The MEA statement emphasising the Indian view, during PM Modi's interaction with Xi, mentioned "importance of peace and tranquillity on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations." A strong signal from China was to have Cai Qi, the enforcer of Xi Jinping, meet PM Modi. Cai Qi is the most sought-after member of Xi's close circle in Beijing, and is considered mostly inaccessible.

Cai Qi met no other dignitary during the summit, signalling seriousness in improving ties. He had also planned a luncheon in honour of PM Modi which was cancelled due to scheduling issues. A Chinese handout quoted him mentioning, "(China) is willing to work with India to enhance friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation, properly manage and resolve differences, and promote further improvement and development of China-India relations."