India and China commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations on April 8, 2025, marking a historic milestone in the bilateral journey of two of the world’s oldest civilizations and largest emerging economies. The occasion was marked by formal exchanges of goodwill messages between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, reflecting the desire to foster greater mutual understanding in spite of underlying tensions.
A Journey Since 1950
India was among the first non-communist countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China after its founding in 1949. Diplomatic relations were formally established on April 1, 1950, setting the stage for a unique partnership between two newly independent Asian nations. The early years were marked by friendly engagement, including the famous slogan “Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai” (Indians and Chinese are brothers). However, the 1962 border war dealt a severe blow to the relationship, triggering decades of mistrust and intermittent conflict.
The Significance of the 75-Year Mark
In his official message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said,
“India and China, as ancient civilizations and neighbors, share a long and complex history of interaction. As we mark the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic ties, we must work together for a stable, peaceful, and progressive Asia.”
President Xi Jinping responded with a similarly positive tone, stating that both countries should use this milestone as an opportunity to “deepen cooperation, enhance mutual trust, and resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Despite the friendly exchanges, analysts believe the diplomatic gestures are largely symbolic and aimed at maintaining dialogue rather than signifying a major shift in relations.
Current State of Relations
The India-China relationship today is defined by a mix of cooperation and confrontation. Economically, China remains one of India’s largest trading partners, with trade reaching $136 billion in 2024. However, there’s a persistent trade imbalance, with Indian exports to China significantly lower than imports.
On the geopolitical front, border tensions remain the biggest thorn in the relationship. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash led to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese personnel. Since then, over 20 rounds of military and diplomatic talks have taken place, but full disengagement and de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have not yet been achieved.
The 75th anniversary comes at a delicate time. While both nations are trying to manage tensions without escalating conflict, strategic mistrust lingers. India has increased defense partnerships with the United States, Japan, and Australia through the Quad alliance—moves viewed with suspicion by Beijing.
Cultural and Academic Initiatives
To mark the occasion, both countries are organizing year-long cultural and educational programs. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is collaborating with Chinese universities to hold joint seminars on history, language, and art. Beijing, in turn, is facilitating Mandarin language courses in select Indian institutions and organizing exhibitions on Buddhist heritage—reflecting the spiritual linkages between the two countries.
The Road Ahead
Experts believe that while it is important to celebrate the milestone, the future of India-China relations depends on addressing unresolved issues. “Diplomatic anniversaries provide space for reflection, but not necessarily reconciliation,” said Professor Alka Acharya, a China expert at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “The real progress lies in how both sides navigate their border disputes and economic rivalry.”
Nonetheless, India and China commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations with cautious optimism, recognizing that sustained dialogue, people-to-people contact, and multilateral cooperation are essential if they are to coexist peacefully in the Asian century.
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