The recent detente between India and China, initiated by Xi Jinping’s outreach amid deteriorating U.S.-India trade relations, has significant implications for both nations and the global geopolitical landscape. As India seeks to diversify its trade relationships following punitive tariffs from the U.S., engaging China could offer economic benefits, such as access to Chinese supply chains and potential reductions in border tensions. However, this rapprochement raises concerns about India’s strategic autonomy and the risk of over-reliance on Chinese technology, especially in sensitive sectors. Analysts emphasize the need for India to adopt a strategic hedging approach, maintaining dialogue with China while simultaneously strengthening defense ties with the U.S., Japan, and Australia. The potential for economic cooperation must be balanced against ongoing territorial disputes and domestic political sensitivities. As India navigates this complex triangular dynamic, its ability to leverage improved ties with Beijing to negotiate concessions from Washington will be critical. Ultimately, the relationship is expected to stabilize into a pattern of managed competition, characterized by cautious engagement rather than complete alignment, as India aims to assert its foreign policy autonomy while maximizing economic opportunities.