External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Beijing on Monday, emphasised the need for continued dialogue and open exchange of perspectives between India and China, stating it is “very important” for neighbouring nations and major economies to maintain regular engagement.
Speaking alongside Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Jaishankar highlighted the complexities of the current global situation and reaffirmed India’s interest in stabilising and normalising ties with China.
“This visit provides an opportunity for an open exchange of views. As neighbouring nations and major economies, it is essential that we communicate directly to arrive at mutually beneficial outcomes,” Jaishankar said in his first official trip to China since bilateral relations deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.
He welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a five-year suspension, calling it a move “widely appreciated” in India. The pilgrimage, which had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions, has now resumed as part of confidence-building measures.
Jaishankar also noted that relations have been improving since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Kazan in October 2024, a meeting that led to the disengagement of troops from key friction points in eastern Ladakh.
“I am confident that my discussions during this visit will sustain the positive momentum,” he added.
Jaishankar’s visit follows those of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in June. During his stay, he will hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin.
