‘Good restart’: India-China thaw driven by economic, security interests, experts say

India and China have agreed to ease border restrictions with resumed patrols, a move experts say is driven as much by economic imperatives as by security concerns, with both nations looking to bolster trade ties.

The Indian government announced on Monday that the two nations would restart patrols in the contested region, where tensions have simmered since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian confirmed the development, stating that Beijing would work with New Delhi to implement the agreement.

Experts view the move as a positive step towards stabilising bilateral relations after years of fraught tensions.

Saheli Chattaraj, assistant professor of Chinese studies at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, said India remained cautiously optimistic about Beijing’s intentions but that stability at the border served both nations’ interests.

“Our differences at the border still continue, with China’s stand being that differences left from history need to be resolved through mutual consultation,” Chattaraj said.