China Expresses Support for India's UN Security Council Bid

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu held the India-China Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on February 10 and 11, 2026. The meetings occurred alongside the First BRICS Sherpa Meeting, where officials began preparations for the 18th BRICS Summit under India's 2026 chairship. Both nations sought to stabilize relations strained by the 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh, emphasizing that peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control are essential for broader bilateral progress.

In a rhetorical shift from long-standing reservations, Ma Zhaoxu stated that Beijing understands and respects India's aspirations for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. The two sides also agreed to support each other's respective BRICS chairmanships for 2026 and 2027 and committed to enhancing people-to-people exchanges, facilitating visa processes, and finalizing an updated Air Services Agreement. Misri specifically noted the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Trade discussions focused on addressing concerns from a strategic perspective, with India raising issues regarding China's export controls on rare earth minerals. While the Indian readout focused on stability and strategic trade, the Chinese side emphasized that the two countries should view each other as cooperative partners rather than rivals. Separately, Indian and U.S. officials met in Beijing to review shared interests in defense, energy, and critical minerals.