This Comment By Chinese Embassy On Indian Medicines Has Sparked Speculation Ahead Of Likely Modi-Xi Meet

A seemingly innocuous comment by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India about the effectiveness of Indian medicine has sparked speculation about a possible softening of tensions between the two countries.

Yu Jing, the spokesperson, took to social media to commend Indian medicines that cured her sore throat and neck pain, saying, “Sincerely praise the Indian medicine, which cured my sore throat and neck pain effectively. Good quality at a fair price. Incredible!”

Interestingly, despite being a leading exporter of generic drugs, India imports nearly 70 per cent of its active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from China. 

The comment, though simple, comes at a time when India and China are cautiously navigating a path toward de-escalation after a prolonged standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since April-May 2020. The LAC tensions have been marked by several violent incidents, including the deadly clash in Galwan in June 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese soldiers.

India has cautiously approved some Chinese investments that had been on hold for years. It had previously said that the normalisation of relations would be contingent upon improvements in the border situation.

In this context, both sides have agreed to "narrow down the differences" in their relations, with India describing recent talks in Beijing as “frank, constructive, and forward-looking.”

This unexpected public praise for Indian medicine has led to speculation that Beijing may be signalling a willingness to lower the temperature in the bilateral relationship.

The timing of the comment is particularly noteworthy, given the Kremlin’s announcement that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed his readiness to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, this October. The summit could provide Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping an opportunity to meet on its sidelines, potentially furthering diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing LAC standoff.