External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on August 18, 2025, emphasizing the importance of counter-terrorism as a key priority in the relationship between the two countries. This meeting, which took place during Wang Yi's two-day visit to India, is seen as an effort to rebuild relations following the strain caused by the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

During the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted three "mutuals" that should guide India-China relations: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. He stressed that differences should not turn into disputes or competition into conflict. Jaishankar also stated that a candid and constructive approach from both sides is required to move forward.

Counter-terrorism was specifically identified as a major priority during the discussions. Jaishankar conveyed India's zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meeting in China in July 2025, Jaishankar had already made it clear that the fight against terrorism must be non-negotiable.

Besides counter-terrorism, the talks covered a range of bilateral issues, including economic and trade matters, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity, and bilateral exchanges. Jaishankar said he would follow up on concerns he raised during his visit to China in July. Normalization of bilateral relations, including de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and confidence-building measures related to the border were also expected to be discussed.

Wang Yi's visit is particularly significant as it precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned trip to China for the SCO Summit. This will be Modi's first visit to China since the military face-off on the LAC in April-May 2020. Wang Yi is also scheduled to meet with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for the 24th round of Special Representatives (SR) talks on the India-China boundary question and meet Prime Minister Modi.

Both India and China have taken steps in recent months to improve their relationship. In December of last year, Doval and Wang resolved to inject more vitality into the process of resolving border issues. Ahead of the 2024 BRICS Summit, the two countries reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

Jaishankar acknowledged that the two countries have experienced a difficult period in their relationship and now seek to move ahead. He emphasized that peace on the border is essential for positive momentum in bilateral ties. Wang Yi noted that both countries have maintained peace in the border areas and that the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash has also begun. He expressed the hope that the two countries would continue to contribute to each other's success.