China has said it understands and respects India’s aspiration for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, marking a notable shift in tone as the two Asian powers work to stabilise relations after several years of tension. The statement came during high-level diplomatic talks in New Delhi and is being viewed as a cautious but significant gesture aimed at rebuilding trust between the neighbours.
China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu conveyed the position during discussions with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on February 10. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Sherpa Meeting hosted by India, where both sides reviewed bilateral relations and broader regional and global developments. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Ma stated that Beijing understands and respects New Delhi’s ambitions for a permanent seat on the UNSC.
For years, China had expressed reservations about India’s bid for Security Council reform and expansion. The latest remarks suggest a more flexible diplomatic posture at a time when both governments are seeking to prevent further deterioration in ties and promote stability across Asia. Officials described the talks as friendly, candid and in-depth, covering international and regional situations, domestic policy priorities, and areas of shared interest.
Both sides acknowledged that the current international environment is undergoing complex and profound changes, requiring closer cooperation between major developing nations. They emphasised implementing the broad understandings reached between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and stressed that China and India should view each other as partners in development rather than strategic rivals. The discussions focused on deepening mutual trust, expanding cooperation and responsibly managing differences to keep relations on a steady track.
Diplomatic engagement between the two countries has increased since the leaders met in Kazan in October 2024, their first meeting following the prolonged standoff in eastern Ladakh that began in 2020. They met again later at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, reinforcing efforts to normalise relations. Officials said both countries also agreed to support each other’s roles as BRICS chairs in the coming years and to uphold multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations.
The talks extended beyond high politics to practical matters affecting people-to-people contact. India noted the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and expressed hope for expanding the pilgrimage. Both sides discussed concluding an updated Air Services Agreement, facilitating visas and strengthening exchanges that could help rebuild confidence at the societal level.
Border peace remained a key theme, with both delegations underlining that tranquillity along the frontier is essential for overall progress in bilateral relations. The countries also exchanged views on trade, regional cooperation and coordination among the Global South, with a shared commitment to fairness, justice and a multipolar international order.
While China’s endorsement of India’s UNSC aspirations does not guarantee immediate progress on reform, it signals a more constructive diplomatic climate. Analysts say the move could help create momentum for cooperation within BRICS and other multilateral forums, even as both nations continue to navigate longstanding strategic differences.
