BEIJING– Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, currently on a visit to Beijing for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, on Monday emphasized the need for “open and candid dialogue” between India and China, as the two Asian giants navigate a complex bilateral relationship strained by military and geopolitical tensions.
In his first visit to China since the deadly 2020 border clash in Galwan Valley, Jaishankar met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries amid global uncertainty.
“In a turbulent world, it is vital for India and China to engage in frank conversations and support each other,” Jaishankar said, adding that he was “keenly looking forward” to meaningful exchanges during his stay.
While border tensions have somewhat stabilized since the Galwan standoff, diplomatic friction persists. India has expressed concerns over China’s support to Pakistan during India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, as well as ongoing disputes related to the Dalai Lama.
Jaishankar’s visit follows recent high-level engagements, including trips by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, signaling renewed efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to thaw icy ties. Highlighting a possible thaw, Jaishankar announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—a sacred pilgrimage route through Tibet—after a five-year suspension. “This step has been widely appreciated in India,” he said.
He also recalled last year’s informal meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, which he said had contributed to a positive shift in bilateral ties. “I am confident this visit will further build on those discussions,” Jaishankar noted.
During his Beijing visit, the minister is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart and hold bilateral talks with other foreign ministers attending the SCO summit. The visit is being closely watched in diplomatic circles, as both countries continue to jostle for influence in the region while attempting to manage their contentious relationship.
