In a significant diplomatic development, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to stabilize India-China relations. This visit is notable as it is Jaishankar’s first to China since the tensions escalated in 2020 due to the Galwan Valley clash, an incident that severely affected bilateral ties.
During the meeting, Jaishankar updated President Xi on recent developments in the relationship between the two powerful Asian nations. He also conveyed warm greetings from Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the meeting, Jaishankar took to the social media platform X, sharing a photograph of the engagement and stating, “Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.”
This dialog comes at a pivotal time as Jaishankar is in China to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ gathering, where he has interacted with his counterparts from other member nations. Prior to his meeting with Xi, Jaishankar also held talks with Vice President Han Zheng, reiterating the significance of maintaining open and sustained dialogue between India and China. He noted, “As neighbouring nations and major economies, an open exchange of views and perspectives between India and China is very important.”
The relationship between India and China has seen gradual improvement since a thaw began in October 2024, following a notable meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi during the SCO Summit in Kazan. This pivotal meeting facilitated mutual disengagement strategies concerning several remaining flashpoints in Ladakh, particularly in areas like Depsang and Demchok.
Ahead of discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar expressed optimism regarding his ongoing visit, conveying his confidence that the discussions would continue the positive trajectory established in previous engagements.
Jaishankar’s visit to China follows a stop in Singapore, as part of a broader two-nation diplomatic mission aimed at reinforcing India’s role in regional stability and multilateral cooperation. His trip is being closely monitored, as it serves as a litmus test for the long-term normalization of ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
