[Text/Observer Network Liu Chenghui] "India and China are working together to draw up a roadmap to bring bilateral relations back to a stable, predictable, and friendly track." On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India, Vikram Misri (Chinese name: Tang Yongsheng), the Indian Secretary of Foreign Affairs, made the above remarks on April 1st.

According to The Indian Express on April 1st, Tang Yongsheng attended the celebration event held by the Chinese Embassy in India that day. The report considered that Tang Yongsheng's attendance marked a significant shift: over the past few years, Sino-Indian relations have fallen into a low point due to border issues, and India usually only sent junior diplomats to attend events organized by the Chinese Embassy, sometimes even skipping some events.

However, in recent months, a series of meetings have been held between China and India to promote the normalization of relations. At this event, Tang Yongsheng also toasted for bilateral relations with Hsu Fei-hung, the Chinese Ambassador to India, and cut the commemorative cake together.

Tang Yongsheng and Ambassador Hsu Fei-hung cut the celebratory cake Chinese Embassy in India

Tang Yongsheng viewed the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India as an important opportunity to rebuild bilateral relations. He said that peace and tranquility in the border areas were "crucial to the smooth development of our overall bilateral relations." He stated that bilateral relations had experienced a difficult period over the past few years, but both countries had resolved some problems in the border areas. Based on this, both sides were making joint efforts to formulate a roadmap to bring relations back onto a "stable, predictable, and friendly track."

Tang Yongsheng said that encouraging contacts had taken place between China and India. India was considering taking some measures to restore practical cooperation between the two countries.

He said that building a lasting foundation for bilateral relations was based on "mutual respect, mutual understanding, and common interests." "The road ahead may be difficult, but we are ready," he added. "Based on the measures we have already taken over the past five months, we see a hopeful beginning, which should be transformed into tangible benefits for the people of both countries."

"Even though the path to rebuilding Sino-Indian relations is full of difficulties, the Indian government is prepared." The Times of India reported on April 2nd with this title: the leaders of both countries exchanged congratulatory messages on April 1st to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

According to the information from the Chinese Embassy in India, at the event, Ambassador Hsu Fei-hung quoted the main contents of the congratulatory messages exchanged by the leaders on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India and pointed out that over the past 75 years, despite ups and downs, Sino-Indian relations have always moved forward. Strategic leadership by the leaders was the "stabilizing needle," friendly exchanges and cooperation were the "basic color," dialogue to resolve differences was the "only solution," and taking responsibility for the future of the world was the "important mission." Achieving "the dance of the dragon and elephant" was the only correct choice for both sides. Both sides should take the important consensus of the leaders as guidance, build a harmonious, stable, mutually beneficial, and internationally cooperative Sino-Indian relationship, and find a way for neighboring major powers to live in harmony and develop together.

The Indian Express published an editorial on April 1st saying that despite previous tensions, relations were thawing, and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations was celebrated in trade negotiations. The editorial also mentioned that Trump's tariffs might give India and China a reason to engage more, eliminate differences, and adopt a pragmatic and mature approach to handling the overall relationship.

On local time April 2nd, US President Donald Trump announced a benchmark tariff of 10% on all US trading partners and higher "reciprocal tariffs" on about 60 countries including China, Europe, and Japan, with China facing a 34% increase and India a 26% increase.

Back in February when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US, Trump had previously criticized him face-to-face, saying, "India's tariffs are higher than any other country."

Earlier, The Indian Express cited sources as saying that facing the步步紧逼US tariffs and the gradual improvement in Sino-Indian relations, India was considering relaxing a series of trade, flight, and visa restrictions imposed on China after the 2020 border conflict and opening the door to Chinese investment. It would facilitate Chinese enterprises to invest in India with Indian partners, including allowing joint ventures between Chinese and Indian companies.

The sources pointed out that reconciliation in commercial relations with China was inevitable for India, just a matter of time. An increasing number of people in India believed that deepening economic dialogue and cooperation with China could serve as a hedge to signal to the US - India can resume business with China.

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