Trump’s tariff blitz sparks unexpected India-China reset

The world’s two most-populous countries made significant progress on the diplomatic front recently, and those championing such moves may have Washington to thank.

India has agreed to a long-standing Chinese proposal to ease border tensions while also resuming direct flights and business links, as both sides explore trade cooperation – particularly in strategic sectors like rare earths – in a bid to reset their strained ties.

Experts highlight that even as deep mistrust lingers, the Asian powers view mounting US tariff pressure as an opportunity to show Washington that they can push back and have other options.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said the two sides would create an “expert group” to explore an “early harvest” approach to boundary delimitation in disputed areas. This marks a shift from New Delhi’s earlier opposition to prioritising settlement in less contentious sectors, particularly in the Sikkim region, in favour of a comprehensive resolution. There are three other disputed sectors along the Sino-India border: western, middle and eastern.