External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said India-China relations have improved but the border situation remains the key factor shaping ties.

Speaking at Columbia University on 29 September, Jaishankar said the two countries have made progress since the standoff, though the boundary question continues to decide the direction of the relationship. He was speaking to students and faculty at the university.

India and China have been working to rebuild ties after the 2020 border clash in Ladakh. Recent months have seen more meetings and a gradual thaw, with resumed direct flights and improving official contacts.

The minister's remarks underline New Delhi's position: engagement can grow, but lasting normalcy depends on peace at the border, a point he has made consistently.

The minister also spoke on India's ties with the US and its role in global forums. He said India's foreign policy will keep national interest at the centre. The event was part of his US visit.