The recent easing of border tensions between India and China marks a significant diplomatic success. After a four-year standoff, the two countries have agreed to withdraw troops stationed on both sides of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, restoring patrols that had been suspended since April 2020. The tense atmosphere along the border had escalated into a near-war situation, culminating in the tragic June 2020 clash in the Galwan Valley, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. While China has yet to officially disclose its casualties, Western reports indicate that 40 Chinese soldiers were also killed. In response, India reinforced its military presence, sending a clear message: any further aggression would be met with force.

India's approach has been two-pronged, addressing both defense and diplomacy. The message to China has been clear: this is not the India of the past. India is no longer afraid to stand firm in the face of external threats. However, China has a history of hostility before switching to diplomacy, so India must tread carefully. In this context, the Indian External Affairs Minister’s recent visit to Pakistan—after nearly a decade of frozen relations—signals a broader shift in India's foreign policy. The thawing of ties with Pakistan may have influenced China's decision to step back from its aggressive stance. This period of de-escalation does not diminish India’s standing on the global stage; rather, it enhances it.

India's success lies in its ability to maintain good relations with both the United States and Russia simultaneously. This diplomatic balancing act has likely contributed to China's recalibration. Experts believe Russia played a pivotal role in easing tensions between India, China, and Pakistan. The agreement to withdraw troops from eastern Ladakh was finalized just before the BRICS summit in Russia, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet. The breakthrough came after weeks of intense diplomatic and military negotiations.

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar aptly summarized India’s approach, stating, "Patient and persistent diplomacy has paid off." His words reflect India's commitment to diplomacy while ensuring national security. Hostility, after all, can obstruct development, progress, and economic opportunities. While China grapples with internal economic crises, India is emerging as a hub for new growth areas, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving Asian order.

The de-escalation on the India-China border is not just a short-term success but a potential harbinger of long-term regional stability. As the BRICS summit unfolds, the world may witness a realignment of power dynamics in Asia, with India playing a leading role in shaping the future of the region.