External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s 2025 visit to China marks a cautious revival of dialogue after years of tension following the 2020 Galwan clash. While both nations are adopting a softer diplomatic tone and reactivating bilateral mechanisms, deep-rooted mistrust—especially over the unresolved border and geopolitical rivalries—persists. True normalization will require sustained efforts in trust-building, strategic maturity, and de-escalation on both sides.