Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said on Monday that India–China relations have improved considerably over the last year, signalling a gradual easing of tensions after a prolonged period of military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). His remarks come as the two nations continue diplomatic and military talks aimed at restoring stability in some of the most sensitive border sectors.
Speaking at a military event in New Delhi, General Dwivedi said recent rounds of dialogue between both sides had led to “measurable progress” in de-escalation and confidence-building. He noted that friction points that had remained frozen since the 2020 Galwan clash are now seeing “consistent engagement” through both diplomatic and military channels.
“Over the last year, we have witnessed a lot of improvement,” the Army Chief said. “There has been better communication on the ground, fewer incidents of aggressive posturing, and a shared recognition that peace along the LAC is essential for wider regional stability.”
Sources in the security establishment say both armies have tightened protocols to prevent accidental escalations, including hotline use, local commander meetings, and clearer disengagement procedures. However, General Dwivedi admitted that full normalisation is still a work in progress, noting that some areas continue to require close monitoring.
India has consistently maintained that peace on the border is the foundation for any forward movement in bilateral relations. China, meanwhile, has recently signalled willingness to deepen economic and trade discussions — a shift analysts say reflects Beijing’s desire to stabilise ties amid global headwinds.
Defence experts caution that while the last year shows positive momentum, both sides must ensure that confidence-building is matched with sustained transparency and strict adherence to disengagement commitments on the ground.
Still, General Dwivedi’s statement marks one of the clearest indications in recent months that the world’s most heavily militarised border is seeing a slow but meaningful reduction in tensions — an encouraging sign for both the region and the future of India–China relations.