Jaishankar in China: Modi’s Greetings, Ties Discussed with Xi.

Jaishankar Discusses Ties With Xi, Conveys PM Modi’s Greetings

A recent visit of the external affairs minister S. Jaishankar to China was the first visit since the Galwan valley clash in June 2020 and represented a milestone on the road to bringing bilateral relations back to a stable footing. In his visit, which was mainly to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCD) foreign Ministers Meeting, Jaishankar had discussions at the highest level both with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping among others.

One of the main points of Jaishankar interaction was the transfer of congratulations of the President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Xi Jinping. As noted in a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Paid a visit to President Xi Jinping at his home in Beijing this morning together with my SCO peers.” Passed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister @narendramodi. Informed President Xi about the new turn of events on our bilateral relations. Respect the advice of our leaders in that respect.” This move re-emphasised the Indian zeal in ensuring existence of lines of communication at the top levels even though the relationship was complicated.

The meetings with President Xi, as well as with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and with Vice President Han Zheng, have been about the necessity of far-seeing approach to bilateral relations. He stressed upon the development of a stable and constructive relationship where the relationship can be made up of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity. He restated the sentiments that India has always had that, differences should not turn into disputes and the competition never should be a conflict.

Crucial areas that they discussed were the need of peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), de-escalation, and good management of the borders. Jaishankar indicated that the elimination of the friction on the borders is the core foundation of the strategic trust of two countries and the healthy expansion of contact relations. The problem of trade barriers and ingresses to economic collaboration was also mentioned by him, who encouraged open and equitable trade.

Additionally, people-to-people exchange was a significant focus of discussions. Jaishankar said India appreciated China’s support in the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, that was suspended in 2020. He also emphasized expanding such exchanges, access for travel and air links, which would help facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation.

This visit comes after a difficult patch after the Galwan Valley episode, with some improvement noted after the meetings that occurred, especially the interaction between PM Modi and President Xi, from October 2024 at the side-lines of the BRICS summit in Kazan. Jaishankar expressed confidence that his conversations would follow up on that moment.

The somewhat liberating discussions happened as India is supporting China’s current SCO presidency. The talks included references to regional and global developments, while Jaishankar reiterated the importance India places on the grouping’s principle objective of combatting terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and he made no bones about sending a clear message supporting “zero tolerance for terrorism.”

Read more – India- China Ties! 

Ultimately, Jaishankar’s visit can be viewed as an essential diplomatic undertaking to manage the complexities of their bilateral relations, capitalizing on recent developments, but nonetheless making and clearly articulating India’s concerns and priorities, with a view to creating a stable and constructive basis for developing the relationship.

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