India-China thaw: 5 things to know as Xi heads to Delhi

NEW DELHI — Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit India for a summit this Saturday, marking a significant step towards a cautious thaw in relations between the two nations. This marks Xi's first trip to India since October 2019, occurring following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China in August 2025. The two nuclear-armed Asian giants have been gradually improving ties since a deadly 2020 border clash.

Flights, some visas, and high-level contacts have resumed, yet deep mistrust persists. The disputed Himalayan frontier, a significant trade deficit, and strategic rivalry continue to complicate their relationship. Here are five key points to consider:

Border remains a major issue. The relationship between the two nations was transformed following the June 2020 border clash in Ladakh, where 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers lost their lives. In October 2024, Beijing and Delhi agreed on patrolling arrangements, leading to renewed political contacts. However, the territorial dispute remains unresolved, and both sides maintain heavy military deployments along their roughly 3,500-kilometre border.