S Jaishankar encounters China’s Xi Jinping,  first meeting since the 2020 Galwan conflict

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, visiting China for the first time in five years, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday as both nations seek to restore relations following the border standoff in eastern Ladakh.

Jaishankar, attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting in China, informed the Chinese President about the latest progress in their bilateral relations.

“Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard,” Jaishankar tweeted.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, visiting China for the first time in five years, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday as both nations seek to restore relations following the border standoff in eastern Ladakh.

Jaishankar, attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting in China, informed the Chinese President about the latest progress in their bilateral relations.  Jaishankar addressed the matter during his discussion with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Monday, stating that the nations need to progress on de-escalation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“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, including de-escalation,” he said.

The Union Minister also urged China to avoid “restrictive trade measures and roadblocks”, a reference to Chinese export restrictions on critical minerals.

He further underscored that differences should not become disputes and nor should competition become conflict.

Jaishankar’s trip builds on the momentum created by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s journey to Qingdao in June for the SCO defence ministers’ gathering. This marked the first trip by an Indian defence minister to China in more than ten years.

The visits intend to establish the possible foundation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated trip to China later this year for the SCO Leaders’ Summit.

Yet, while the two countries work to normalize relations, various issues have emerged. The succession of the Dalai Lama and China’s unwavering backing of Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack are perceived as significant areas of tension.  Jaishankar’s trip occurs alongside worries in India regarding the increasing ties among China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.