India and China have been warming up their relations, with the two countries announcing confidence-building measures such as resuming direct flights, easier visa processes, and border trade facilitation. This thawing of relations comes despite the recent imposition of tariffs by the US on India, which has strained ties between Washington and New Delhi.
The improved ties between India and China are attributed to a series of meetings between their leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as discussions between Indian and Chinese diplomats. The two countries have also agreed to explore an “early harvest” settlement of parts of their long-disputed border.
Experts believe that this improved relationship could lead to the emergence of new Asian trade blocs and undermine the US-led Quad grouping. With the US imposing tariffs on India, China is now offering greater market access for Indian goods, which could help New Delhi reduce its reliance on the US market.
The implications of this improvement in relations between India and China are significant for the US in Asia. The US has long sought to counterbalance China’s growing influence, but with India warming up to Beijing, the US may find it harder to isolate China. This could lead to a reevaluation of US strategy in the region, as well as a shift in the balance of power.
The Quad grouping, which includes the US, India, Japan, and Australia, has been a cornerstone of US Asia policy for years. However, with Trump’s recent policies undermining this grouping, it is unclear what the future holds for US-India relations.
As one expert noted, “A friendlier Beijing-Delhi line might temper India’s appetite for overtly anti-China positioning within the Quad.” This suggests that the improved relationship between India and China could lead to a more complex regional landscape, with less emphasis on confrontation and more on cooperation.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/8/23/can-the-new-india-china-bonhomie-reshape-trade-and-hurt-the-us-in-asia