Key Points
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, emphasizing the importance of normalized and mutually beneficial India-China relations.
- The visit marks Jaishankar’s first trip to China since the 2020 border standoff, signaling a potential thaw in bilateral ties.
- Jaishankar highlighted the significance of open communication amid a complex global environment, especially between two major Asian economies.
- The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was praised as a positive step in people-to-people exchanges.
- The meeting coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China and follows recent high-level visits in the context of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conferences.
Beijing: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Beijing on Monday morning, continuing his diplomatic mission after a stop in Singapore. His visit to China, the second and final leg of his two-nation tour, is centered around the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin a key regional forum where security, economic, and strategic issues are discussed.
This trip is particularly significant as it marks Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the tense military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in 2020, which led to a prolonged chill in bilateral relations. His presence in Beijing is seen as a signal of both countries’ willingness to re-engage at the highest levels.
Focus on Normalization and Open Dialogue
During his meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Jaishankar underscored the steady improvement in India-China ties, referencing the pivotal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October of the previous year. He expressed optimism that his discussions in Beijing would further this positive trend, especially as the two nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Jaishankar stated, “The continued normalization of our relations can lead to mutually beneficial results.” He emphasized that, given the current “complex” international landscape, open and candid exchanges between India and China are crucial for regional and global stability.
People-to-People Ties: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes
A highlight of the talks was the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage route deeply valued by Indian devotees. Jaishankar noted that this move has been widely welcomed in India, symbolizing a renewed spirit of cooperation and goodwill between the two countries.
Strategic Context: SCO and Recent High-Level Engagements
Jaishankar’s visit comes shortly after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the SCO Defence Ministers’ Conference in Qingdao, underlining India’s active participation in the organization. With China currently chairing the SCO, these back-to-back high-level visits reflect both countries’ recognition of the need for sustained dialogue and collaboration within multilateral frameworks.
Outlook: Navigating Complexities, Building Trust
As the world navigates geopolitical uncertainties, India and China’s commitment to dialogue, normalization, and practical cooperation will be closely watched. The outcomes of Jaishankar’s visit and the tone set in these high-level meetings could shape the trajectory of Asia’s two largest economies for years to come.
