India-China 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

China and India commemorated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian President Droupadi Murmu exchanged messages highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship. In his message, Xi emphasized the need for India and China to work in cooperation, symbolized by the metaphor of a “cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant.” Xi noted that both countries are at a critical juncture in their modernization efforts and should build a strategic, long-term partnership. The anniversary celebrations included reflections on the progress made in the last five months to rebuild trust and cooperation, particularly in areas such as border security, defense, and people-to-people exchanges.

Key Highlights of the 75th Anniversary Celebration

Commemorative Event

• Organized by the Chinese Embassy in India.

Key Figures

• Xi Jinping (China) and Droupadi Murmu (India) marked the occasion with congratulatory messages.
• Vikram Misri (India’s Foreign Secretary) emphasized the importance of mutual respect, sensitivity, and interests in the relationship.
• Xu Feihong (Chinese Ambassador to India) highlighted the strategic nature of the bilateral ties.

Bilateral Relations

• Xi Jinping referred to India and China as “ancient civilizations” and key members of the Global South, both undergoing significant modernization.
• Misri noted that the relationship should be rebuilt on the pillars of mutual respect and cooperation, with a focus on people-to-people exchanges and restoring mutual trust.

Key Initiatives

• Disengagement in Eastern Ladakh: Steps to de-escalate tensions through disengagement and resumption of patrolling.
• Practical Cooperation: Resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, cooperation on rivers, and discussions on direct air services.
• People-to-People Exchanges: The issuance of 70,000 visas by the Chinese Embassy in India in the first quarter of 2025, indicating growing people-to-people engagement.

Statements on Cooperation

• Xi emphasized the importance of handling relations from a “strategic and long-term perspective.”
• The objective of strengthening exchanges in various fields and safeguarding peace along the India-China border was reiterated.

Encouraging Developments

• Over the past five months, the two countries’ leaders, including foreign ministers and defense ministers, have engaged in productive meetings to pave the way for increased cooperation.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India-China 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
Commemorative Event	Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in India
Key Figures	Xi Jinping (China), Droupadi Murmu (India), Vikram Misri (India), Xu Feihong (China)
Bilateral Message	Xi Jinping urged a “cooperative pas de deux” symbolizing mutual growth and cooperation
Focus Areas	Mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, mutual interests, people-to-people exchanges
Initiatives	Disengagement in Eastern Ladakh, resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, discussions on air services
People-to-People	Exchanges 70,000 visas issued by Chinese Embassy to Indian citizens in early 2025
Strategic Direction	Aiming for long-term cooperation, peaceful coexistence, and mutual development