EAM S Jaishankar Meets Chinese President Xi Jinping; Discusses Future Of India-China Ties

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, where the two leaders discussed the direction of India-China bilateral relations.

The meeting took place as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ courtesy call on the Chinese President.

EAM S Jaishankar Conveys Greetings from Indian Leadership

During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Xi.

In a post on X, the minister said, “Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.”

This marks Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the Galwan Valley clash in May 2020.

He is attending the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (CFM) in Tianjin, where India is engaging in multiple levels of diplomatic dialogue within the multilateral grouping.

High-Level Meetings with Chinese Officials

On Monday, Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings aimed at reinforcing India-China dialogue.

He met Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, and discussed the importance of building a constructive bilateral relationship.

In a separate bilateral meeting, Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a senior figure in the CPC Political Bureau. The two ministers addressed longstanding concerns and the broader regional dynamic.

EAM Jaishankar emphasised the need for a long-term perspective in resolving key bilateral challenges.

He stressed the importance of addressing border-related concerns, normalising people-to-people exchanges, and avoiding trade restrictions.

“Confident that on the foundation of mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity, ties can develop along a positive trajectory,” he posted after the meeting.

Meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng

Jaishankar also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, where he reiterated that normalising bilateral relations would yield mutually beneficial outcomes. He highlighted the significance of open dialogue between India and China, especially amid a complex global environment.

Celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and China, Jaishankar welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The pilgrimage had been suspended since 2020 due to the pandemic and border tensions.

India continues to play an active role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Jaishankar’s visit follows earlier SCO-related trips to China by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in June.

India chaired the SCO in 2023, while Pakistan hosted the Leaders’ Summit in 2024.

The upcoming 25th Heads of State Council meeting of the SCO is scheduled to be held later this year in Tianjin.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, founded as a regional security bloc, includes India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus.

Its mandate includes counterterrorism, economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and security dialogue.

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