India, China Lt General-Level Talks Aim to Ease Border Tensions
Even as New Delhi and Beijing remain tight-lipped on military discussions, it is becoming increasingly clear that the dates for the much-anticipated General-level dialogue will be finalized after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin on August 31–September 1.
The two leaders are expected to push forward normalization of ties, including resumption of air services and Lt General-level Border Personnel Meetings (BPMs) across the three sectors of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Currently, the only existing General-level dialogue is held between the 14th Corps Commander and the Xinjiang Military Division commander at Chushul in Eastern Ladakh.
The decision to upgrade military engagement to General and Major General-level talks at Chushul, Nathu La, and Kibuthoo/Yangtze was taken during the 24th round of Special Representative talks on August 19. Experts suggest that holding up to six such rounds annually could significantly reduce friction along the LAC, ensuring peace and stability, and paving the way for broader India-China cooperation.
The push for normalization comes against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions with the United States. Washington has imposed steep tariffs, with India set to face an additional 25% levy on August 27, taking the total to 50%. China, already reeling under 54% tariffs, has been granted a 90-day reprieve on further hikes.
During the August 19 meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the U.S. loomed large as both sides acknowledged being unfairly targeted by Washington’s trade policies. For India, the latest tariffs have weakened any lingering hopes of warmth with the U.S., reinforcing the need to seek pragmatic convergence with China.
