External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing on Monday, marking a key diplomatic engagement aimed at improving India-China relations. This is Jaishankar's first visit to China in five years and follows a thaw in ties since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

In the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed India’s support for China’s ongoing presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). He noted visible improvements in bilateral relations since the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October. “Our bilateral relationship has been steadily improving, and I am confident that discussions during my visit will maintain that positive trajectory,” he said.

Jaishankar highlighted that India and China have marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which had been suspended since 2020. He termed this move “widely appreciated in India,” and suggested it could lead to further normalization of ties.

Describing the international situation as “complex,” Jaishankar emphasized the importance of open dialogue between the two Asian giants. “As neighbouring countries and major economies, our exchange of views is critical in these times,” he remarked.

Jaishankar will also participate in the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin on July 15 and is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

His visit follows recent trips to China by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and NSA Ajit Doval, signaling a phased diplomatic reboot. Wang Yi is also expected to visit India next month for talks under the Special Representatives mechanism to address the long-standing border dispute.

The revival of high-level dialogue reflects cautious optimism in the post-Galwan era of India-China relations.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing on Monday, marking a key diplomatic engagement aimed at improving India-China relations. This is Jaishankar's first visit to China in five years and follows a thaw in ties since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

In the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed India’s support for China’s ongoing presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). He noted visible improvements in bilateral relations since the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October. “Our bilateral relationship has been steadily improving, and I am confident that discussions during my visit will maintain that positive trajectory,” he said.

Jaishankar highlighted that India and China have marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which had been suspended since 2020. He termed this move “widely appreciated in India,” and suggested it could lead to further normalization of ties.

Describing the international situation as “complex,” Jaishankar emphasized the importance of open dialogue between the two Asian giants. “As neighbouring countries and major economies, our exchange of views is critical in these times,” he remarked.

Jaishankar will also participate in the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin on July 15 and is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

His visit follows recent trips to China by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and NSA Ajit Doval, signaling a phased diplomatic reboot. Wang Yi is also expected to visit India next month for talks under the Special Representatives mechanism to address the long-standing border dispute.

The revival of high-level dialogue reflects cautious optimism in the post-Galwan era of India-China relations.