New Delhi Presses Beijing for Export Control Resolution Amid Thawing Relations
New Delhi has urged Beijing to expedite the resolution of pending issues related to export controls, as both nations explore avenues to rebuild their relationship following tensions stemming from the eastern Ladakh border dispute. The call for resolution occurred during a two-day visit to Beijing by Sujit Ghosh, Joint Secretary in the East Asia division at India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
During his visit, which concluded on Friday, December 12, 2025, Ghosh met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and engaged in extensive discussions with the Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The MEA stated that discussions were constructive and forward-looking. Both sides acknowledged the importance of strategic guidance from their leaders and expressed optimism regarding the progress in stabilizing and revitalizing bilateral ties, prioritizing engagements centered around people.
The Indian side emphasized the necessity for an early resolution to outstanding export control issues. While specific details of these issues were not disclosed, it is understood that India has concerns regarding restrictions imposed by China on the export of rare earth minerals. Regional and global developments of mutual interest were also briefly addressed during the discussions.
In a related development, India has been working to expedite the issuance of business visas to Chinese executives and professionals by reducing administrative vetting processes. This move is aimed at attracting Chinese investments and comes amid improved relations with Beijing. According to reports, India plans to issue business visas to Chinese entities within a month. "We have removed the layer of administrative vetting and are processing the business visas within four weeks," an Indian official told Reuters.
China's foreign ministry has acknowledged India's "positive action" to facilitate people-to-people exchanges. A ministry spokesperson stated that China is willing to maintain communication and consultation with India to continuously enhance the level of facilitation of exchanges.
Relations between India and China experienced a downturn in 2020 due to escalating border tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Despite these tensions, bilateral trade between the two countries remains robust. In FY25 (ending March 2025), the total trade volume reached $127.7 billion, up from $118.4 billion in FY24, making China India's second-largest trading partner after the US. Trade figures from early FY26 (April-July 2025) indicate further growth, with exports rising 19.97% to $5.75 billion and imports up 13% to $40.65 billion.
India continues to monitor China's expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean, its militarization of the South China Sea, and its deepening military ties with Pakistan.
