• Source:JND
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Jaishankar China visit: External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Monday met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, emphasizing that the normalisation of India-China relations can yield "mutually beneficial" results for both countries. This is Jaishankar's first visit to China since the 2020 Galwan Valley face-off complicated bilateral ties. Dr Jaishankar landed in Beijing on a three-day trip to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Tianjin on July 14 and 15.

Visit Marks Significant Diplomatic Engagement Since Galwan

After touchdown, he met Vice President Han Zheng and emphasized the continued improvement in relations since Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October. “Our bilateral relationship has been steadily improving since the Kazan meeting. I am confident that my discussions during this visit will maintain that positive trajectory,” Jaishankar said during his opening remarks. He also met  SCO SG Nurlan Yermekbayev today. and discussed about  the contribution and importance of SCO, as well as the endeavors to modernize its working.

Highlighting Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Normalised Exchanges

Among the other highlights of Jaishankar's speech was the announcement of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumption that was halted for five years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant border tensions. "The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is much appreciated in India. Normalisation of our relationship can yield mutually positive results," said the External Affairs Minister.

Complex Global Situation, Need for Open Dialogue

Speaking of the current global issues, Jaishankar underscored the need for open discussions and exchange of ideas between the two Asian neighbours and big economies. "The global situation is very complicated. Being neighboring countries and big economies, open exchange of visions and ideas between India and China is very crucial," he told." The remarks follow growing international geopolitics tensions — from the Russia-Ukraine conflict to increasing volatility in the Middle East caused by Iran's nuclear program and new US tariffs affecting international trade.

Jaishankar Finds Confidence in Positive Momentum

After the meeting, Dr Jaishankar tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), Delighted to meet Vice President Han Zheng shortly after my arrival in Beijing today. Expressed India's appreciation for China's SCO Presidency. Saw the enhancement of our bilateral relationship. And was optimistic about the course of talks during my visit remaining on that positive path."

High-Level Talks on Border Issues, Dalai Lama and Rare Earths Expected

Before leaving for Tianjin to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Dr Jaishankar is likely to visit his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The two leaders will most likely address major bilateral and regional issues, such as the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Dalai Lama succession sensitive issue, India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack, and crucial rare earth imports to India.

Key Takeaways From Jaishankar's China Visit

• First visit after Galwan: Symbolizes resumption of high-level India-China diplomacy post-2020 standoff.
• Eye on normalisation: Emphasised mutually useful relations through open discussion.
• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes: Important symbolic development in building trust.
• Complicated global context: Emphasized regional stability in the face of global conflicts.
• Preparatory talks with Wang Yi: Wider agenda including border tensions, Tibet, rare earth, and SCO cooperation.

The visit follows both nations celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, which signals tentative optimism for a secure and cooperative future.