India-China Push for Strategic Reset Before SCO Summit

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, a high-level conference in New Delhi has called for a bold reset in India-China relations. Held on Thursday at the India International Centre, the event, titled SCO Summit & Resetting India-China Relations, was co-organized by the Chintan Research Foundation and the Centre for Global India Insights, bringing together diplomats, military leaders, and policy experts to chart a new course for bilateral ties.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong delivered a keynote address, striking a hopeful note. “While the journey of China and India has faced hurdles, friendship and cooperation remain the cornerstone. Unity and collaboration are our only paths forward,” he said, highlighting recent diplomatic efforts to rebuild trust. Shishir Priyadarshi, President of the Chintan Research Foundation and former WTO director, described PM Modi’s upcoming visit as “a defining moment for one of Asia’s most critical relationships.”

Priyadarshi introduced the “ABCD” framework to guide future engagement: Acceptability of each nation’s aspirations, Building blocks for cooperation, Confidence-Building Measures to foster trust, and Dialogue to address differences. This formula aims to create a structured approach to mending ties strained by past border tensions and geopolitical rivalry.

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Manish Chand, CEO of the Centre for Global India Insights, emphasized the need for stronger ties in a fractured global landscape. “India and China can expand their convergence through Culture, Creativity, and Commerce,” he said, advocating for deeper people-to-people connections through education, tourism, and trade. He pointed to the potential for joint initiatives in technology and green energy as avenues for collaboration.

Ambassador (Retd.) Venkatesh Varma, a member of the National Security Advisory Board, stressed that a multipolar world requires negotiation, not confrontation. “Both nations must prioritize mutual respect to achieve strategic stability,” he said. Former Army Chief General MM Naravane echoed this sentiment, noting India’s consistent pursuit of peaceful relations with China and welcoming recent diplomatic initiatives, including high-level talks to resolve border issues.

Veteran China expert Ambassador (Retd.) Neelam Sabharwal highlighted the historical strategic partnership between the two nations, urging both to leverage shared global priorities like climate action and sustainable development. She emphasized that 2025, marking the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations, offers a unique opportunity to forge a new model of coexistence and mutual growth.

A concept note circulated at the conference underscored the importance of mutual respect for each other’s core concerns, advocating for a partnership that balances competition with collaboration. With the SCO Summit approaching, the event served as a critical platform to shift the narrative from rivalry to partnership, potentially reshaping Asia’s geopolitical landscape.

The discussions come at a time when both nations are navigating complex global challenges, from economic uncertainties to regional security concerns. A successful reset could position India and China as anchors of stability in a multipolar world, with the SCO Summit providing a stage to demonstrate this commitment.

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