Beijing [China], July 15 (HBTV): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with other Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers, called on Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday and apprised him of recent developments in India-China bilateral ties.

Jaishankar conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Xi. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, ‘Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister @narendramodi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.’

Jaishankar is currently on an official visit to China to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' Meeting. On Monday, he held detailed talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and stressed the importance of adopting a far-seeing approach to bilateral relations.

‘Held detailed talks with Politburo Member and FM Wang Yi in Beijing this evening. Spoke about the need for a far-seeing approach to bilateral ties and building a stable & constructive relationship,’ Jaishankar posted on X.

He further noted, ‘Incumbent on us to address aspects related to the border, normalizing people-to-people exchanges and avoiding restrictive trade measures & roadblocks. Confident that on the foundation of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, ties can develop along a positive trajectory. Look forward to attending the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tianjin tomorrow. India is committed to ensuring good outcomes and decisions.’

Jaishankar also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Monday and acknowledged the improvement in bilateral ties. He reiterated India’s support for China’s SCO Presidency.

‘Pleased to meet Vice President Han Zheng soon after my arrival in Beijing today. 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 posted.

This marks Jaishankar’s first visit to China since relations soured in 2020 following the deadly military clash in the Galwan Valley. His visit comes shortly after similar visits by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who attended SCO-related meetings in China last month.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is also expected to visit India next month for a meeting with NSA Ajit Doval under the Special Representatives (SR) mechanism—a dialogue framework aimed at resolving the long-standing boundary dispute between the two countries.

The Galwan Valley clash in 2020, which led to casualties on both sides, was the worst border standoff between India and China in over four decades and had brought bilateral relations to a historic low.

The revival of the SR dialogue and other dormant engagement channels was reportedly decided during a brief interaction between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.

In a sign of improved ties, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—suspended since 2019—has recently resumed, reflecting cautious optimism in the ongoing diplomatic engagement.

(ANI)