India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is visiting China for the first time since 2020, signaling a cautious thaw in relations after a deadly border clash triggered years of diplomatic and military hostility.

First High-Level Visit Since 2020 Clashes

Singh’s two-day visit to Qingdao marks the most senior-level Indian delegation to China since bilateral tensions began easing late last year. He will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense ministers’ meeting, where discussions will focus on regional security and counter-terrorism.

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is also in China for parallel SCO meetings, further underscoring New Delhi’s re-engagement with the multilateral grouping.

Modi’s Possible Trip Under Discussion

Diplomatic observers suggest Singh and Doval are preparing ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s potential participation in the SCO leaders’ summit this fall. China extended a formal invitation to Modi in April, describing it as “warm,” though India has not confirmed attendance.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is also expected to travel to China soon for the SCO foreign ministers’ summit.

Background: The 2020 Border Conflict

India-China relations deteriorated sharply after violent clashes in June 2020 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which left at least 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese troops dead. Both countries subsequently deployed thousands of soldiers, heavy weaponry, and fighter aircraft along their 3,488 km unmarked border.

Although relations remained strained, the Xi-Modi meeting at the BRICS summit in Russia last October led to a tentative agreement to stabilize ties.

India’s Priorities at the SCO

While most SCO members are expected to focus on broader military conflicts, New Delhi is prioritizing counter-terrorism. India notably withheld support from a recent SCO resolution that criticized Israel, reflecting its independent diplomatic posture.

China has described the latest developments as “positive progress” in bilateral ties, signaling openness to continued diplomatic engagement.