Jaishankar urges open China dialogue amid global complexity.
The meeting focused on fostering open dialogue and addressing mutual concerns amid a complex global geopolitical environment. Both sides emphasized the importance of stable relations, economic cooperation, and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control.
S. Jaishankar Meets Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, Stresses Need for Continued Positive Engagement
In a significant diplomatic engagement between two of Asia’s largest nations, External Affairs Minister. The meeting marked an important step in efforts to sustain momentum in bilateral relations, which have seen signs of improvement in recent months. During the talks, Jaishankar underscored the need for continued open dialogue and expressed optimism about the direction of India-China ties.
Upon his arrival in the Chinese capital, Jaishankar met with Vice President Han and conveyed India’s support for China’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional political and security grouping of which both countries are active members. The SCO has increasingly become a platform for regional coordination on issues ranging from counterterrorism to economic cooperation.
In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar shared highlights of his first official engagement in Beijing. “Conveyed India’s support for China’s SCO Presidency. Noted the improvement in our bilateral ties. And expressed confidence that discussions during my visit will maintain that positive trajectory.”
Jaishankar’s remarks come at a time when both India and China are navigating a complex geopolitical environment, marked by shifting global alliances, ongoing regional conflicts, and economic challenges. The dialogue between the two nations, which share a long and often contested border, has become increasingly crucial in maintaining regional stability and managing potential flashpoints.
During the meeting, the Indian Foreign Minister noted that the bilateral relationship has been steadily improving since the October 2024 meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia. That meeting, held on the sidelines of a multilateral summit, was viewed by many as a diplomatic thaw after years of tense relations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh.
One of the most notable outcomes of the Kazan meeting was the reported decision to revive several high-level bilateral dialogue mechanisms that had remained dormant since the 2020 standoff. Among these is the Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary issue, which is a key channel for addressing the long-standing border dispute. According to diplomatic sources, this decision was taken during a brief but important conversation between Modi and Xi in Kazan.
In addition to strategic and security dialogue, there have been other signs of warming relations. The recent decision to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—an annual pilgrimage to a sacred site in Tibet that had been suspended for nearly five years—has been widely viewed as a goodwill gesture by both sides. The resumption of the yatra, which holds deep religious and cultural significance for many Indians, is being interpreted as a symbolic step toward rebuilding trust.
Both New Delhi and Beijing have also shown cautious optimism about restarting trade and investment talks, which had slowed during the pandemic and subsequent border tensions. Economic cooperation, particularly in areas such as pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure, remains a mutual interest.
As two major economies in Asia, both nations are key stakeholders in shaping the future of multilateral frameworks such as the SCO, BRICS, and the G20. India’s backing of China’s SCO presidency signals New Delhi’s intent to engage constructively, even as the two nations continue to manage complex bilateral differences.
Analysts believe that while significant challenges remain—especially related to the unresolved border dispute and differing strategic worldviews—the decision to resume structured dialogue is an important step forward. The tone of the engagement in Beijing suggests a mutual recognition that cooperation, not confrontation, will be the key to long-term regional stability.
In the coming days, Jaishankar is expected to hold further meetings with Chinese officials and possibly engage in discussions on a wide range of issues including border management, people-to-people exchanges, regional security, and trade. While no major agreements are expected to be signed during this visit, the emphasis appears to be on confidence-building and maintaining open lines of communication.
As Jaishankar concluded his initial round of talks in Beijing, both sides appeared committed to nurturing a pragmatic and forward-looking approach to diplomacy. The visit marks the beginning of what officials hope will be a sustained phase of dialogue aimed at resolving differences while exploring areas of cooperation.
The world will be watching closely as India and China—two neighboring giants with intertwined histories and futures—navigate this new chapter in their complex and evolving relationship.