India and China have agreed to take a series of steps aimed at stabilizing, suspending and promoting economic cooperation. The Foreign Ministry (MEA) announced on Tuesday that the two parties will recover direct flight connectivity between the Chinese continent and India as early as possible, while also moving to revive dialogue mechanisms and expand the trade and investment flow by concrete measures. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was in New Delhi from 18 to 19 August 2025, where he co-chaired the 24th round of special representatives (SRC) talks about the border question with National Security Advisor Ajit Deval and Bilateral discussions with S. Jaishankar, Foreign Minister. Wang also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 19. What did India and China agree on the border question? The two parties determined what the MEA described as ‘candid and profound’ discussions about the border question, and agreed to: A fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for settlement in line with the 2005 agreement on political parameters and leading principles. Set up an expert group under the work mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border issues (WMCC) to investigate the outcomes of the early harvest in border demarcation. Create a working group under the WMCC to strengthen border management and maintain peace in sensitive areas. Expand general level mechanisms outside the existing Western sector to include the eastern and middle sectors. Use existing diplomatic and military level mechanisms to manage tension and begin discussions on de-escalation. Both sides noted that “peace and tranquility” has been maintained since the final round of SRC talks and agreed to keep the next round in China on a mutually convenient date. What were the outcomes of Wang Yi’s encounter with Jaishankar, Deval and Modi? During his connections in Delhi, Wang Yi emphasized the importance of leadership at the promotion of ties. India and China agreed that a stable, collaborative and forward -looking relationship was in their mutual importance, with both countries confirming their intention to implement existing consensus at the highest levels. Other key agreements include: SCO & BRICS Summit: India welcomes Chinese support for its 2026 BRICS Summit, while supporting the president of China in 2027. China, meanwhile, welcomes the participation in the upcoming Shanghai Memeasing Organization (SCO) in Tianjin. Dialogue mechanisms: Both sides have promised to re-suspended bilateral dialogues, including the high-level mechanism on human-to-people exchanges in 2026. 75 years of ties: India and China will hold commemorative events during 2025 to be 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Air connection: Agreement on the resumption of direct flights and the finalization of an updated airlines agreement, along with the relief of visa facilitation for tourists, businesses, media and other categories. Access to Pilgrimages: India’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will be expanded on scale from 2026. On the Border River: Both sides agreed to continue with collaboration under the mechanism at the expert level and to share hydrological data during emergencies. Border Trading: Trading by Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu la Pass is reopened. Investment and trading: New measures will be taken to facilitate two-way and investment flow. Why does Wang Yi’s Delhi visit matter? This was the first visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India, as tensions on the line of real control (LAC) escalated. The discussions indicate cautiously optimism, with both sides that prevent border disputes from derailing broader trade, technology and multilateral platforms. Although there are significant differences, the agreements on flights, trade, border management and human-to-people exchanges reflect an attempt to stabilize ties through incremental steps.
India, China to resume direct flights, increase trade and dialogue | 5 important takeaways from Wang Yi’s Delhi visit
