Beijing: Since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for the first time on Tuesday, July 15, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial meeting. During the interaction, Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to ANI.
The minister also briefed Xi on recent developments in India-China relations and highlighted the significance of “continued leadership guidance in advancing bilateral ties,” ANI reported. The meeting marks a notable engagement between the two nations as diplomatic efforts continue amid complex regional dynamics.
Sharing a picture from the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar wrote, "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 @narendramodi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard."
First Meeting Since Galwan 2020 Clash
This marked the first meeting between the two leaders since the deadly Galwan Valley confrontation. A disengagement agreement reached in October 2024 covered the final two friction points, Demchok and Depsang, paving the way for a diplomatic thaw.
In recent months, India and China have revived suspended dialogue mechanisms and resumed ministerial visits. Jaishankar’s trip follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Qingdao in June, the first by an Indian defence minister in over ten years.
During his Monday meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar stressed the need to “move forward on de-escalation” at the Line of Actual Control, adding, “We have made good progress in the past nine months towards the normalisation of our bilateral relations... It is now incumbent on us to address other aspects related to the border.”
Trade Tensions Persist
While talks between India and China signal progress, key irritants still remain intact. Jaishankar urged Beijing to avoid “restrictive trade measures and roadblocks,” in a veiled reference to Chinese export curbs on critical minerals. He also emphasised that “differences should not become disputes and nor should competition become conflict.”
Strategic tensions continue over China’s support for Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor in Pahalgam, and ongoing concerns surrounding the Dalai Lama’s succession. These issues are expected to shadow any future visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China later this year for the SCO Leaders' Summit.
.webp)
