From rival to ally? China may back India’s permanent UNSC seat bid | World News

New Delhi: Beijing appears to view India as an important global partner rather than a rival. Officials understand and respect New Delhi’s bid to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Diplomats say translating this gesture into concrete action will depend on Beijing’s next moves, but its softer approach marks a diplomatic success for India.

New Delhi and Beijing are showing signs of thawing long-frozen relations, with a recent strategic dialogue revealing a shift in China’s position. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, during the high-level talks, China expressed that it understands and respects India’s bid for permanent UNSC membership. This is the first time Beijing has openly addressed the issue.

This statement is particularly important because China has long been seen as the main obstacle to India achieving a permanent seat in the UNSC. India’s foreign minister and China’s deputy foreign minister attended the talks between the two countries. They laid the foundation for future bilateral relations and signaled a possible change in China’s approach to global diplomacy.

India has been seeking a permanent seat in the UNSC for many years and has received support from the US, UK, France and Russia. China had been blocking this with technical objections, but experts say its recent recognition shows that it now sees New Delhi’s growing influence and leadership in the BRICS.

The strategic dialogue also focused on rebuilding bilateral relations. Both sides emphasized that peace and stability in the border areas are the basis of their partnership. The two sides agreed to resolve disputes not only at the military level but also through political and strategic engagement. The progress made along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including the withdrawal of troops, was reviewed in detail.

Practical measures to facilitate people-to-people connections were also highlighted during the discussions. Visa procedures are expected to be simplified and an updated air services agreement is planned for the resumption of direct flights between the two neighbours. The meeting highlighted the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage with expectations of its further expansion in the future.

On the multilateral front, India’s BRICS chairmanship this year has received support from China, which has pledged to assist in the successful organization of the summit and participate in discussions on strengthening cooperation. Trade and economic ties are also being re-explored. This points to the potential for deepening bilateral relations.