India-China relations appear to be entering a period of cautious normalisation, as both countries show greater willingness to stabilise ties despite continuing strategic differences. The latest indication came from the 25th round of Special Representatives talks between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on August 25. The two sides discussed maintaining peace and stability along the border, expanding bilateral cooperation, and continuing efforts towards a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question. The meeting reflects a broader revival of diplomatic engagement between India and China, as both sides seem to be increasingly willing to prevent their differences from defining the entire relationship. The most important question is not only whether India-China relations can improve, but whether meaningful cooperation can be sustained even when fundamental sources of distrust remain.

India and China do not necessarily need strategic trust to recognise the costs of prolonged confrontation. For India, persistent tensions with its largest and most powerful neighbour carry significant security and economic costs, while requiring sustained diplomatic and military attention. China also has an interest in a more stable relationship with India to prevent instability in its regional environment, particularly as India strengthens its strategic partnerships globally. This creates space for cooperation even when fundamental disagreements remain unresolved. The recent improvement in relations may therefore be understood as strategic pragmatism rather than strategic convergence, as both countries see the value in stabilising the relationship even when deeper differences remain unresolved.