Beijing: Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is visiting China for the first time in five years, amid improving bilateral ties between the two Himalayan neighbors. Jaishankar met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on his arrival in Beijing before proceeding to the northern city of Tianjin to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization foreign ministers' summit.
According to Anadolu Agency, Han emphasized the importance of China and India's role as major developing countries and members of the Global South. He highlighted the need for both nations to adhere to high-level guidance, promote pragmatic cooperation, and respect each other's concerns to foster sustained and stable bilateral relations. Jaishankar noted the steady improvement in ties and expressed confidence that his discussions would maintain this positive trajectory.
This visit follows a new border patrolling arrangement confirmed last October, which led to military disengagement after the 2020 clashes. The two countries have been working towards easing tensions and have engaged in significant diplomatic interactions, including a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.
Jaishankar's last visit to China was in August 2019, shortly after India reorganized the Jammu and Kashmir region into two union territories, including Ladakh. The region has been central to past military tensions, culminating in the deadly 2020 clashes.
During discussions with Han, Jaishankar acknowledged the complex international situation and emphasized the importance of open dialogue between the neighboring nations. The visit comes after a recent SCO defense chiefs' meeting in Qingdao ended without a joint statement due to disagreements.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with Jaishankar, stressing the essence of harmonious relations and mutual success between the two countries. Wang called for peaceful coexistence, common development, and win-win cooperation, emphasizing that China-India relations should not be influenced by third parties.
New Delhi's statement highlighted the positive impact of peace and tranquility at the border on bilateral relations. Jaishankar advocated for cooperation on trans-border rivers and addressed restrictive trade measures and economic cooperation roadblocks.