EAM Jaishankar Meets Chinese Vice President, Highlights Importance of Normalising Ties for Mutual Benefit

Beijing – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Monday and stressed that continued normalisation of India-China relations can lead to outcomes that are mutually beneficial for both nations.

During the meeting, Jaishankar underscored the importance of maintaining open dialogue and exchanging perspectives—particularly significant given that both countries are not only close neighbours but also major global economies.

Jaishankar, who is in China for a three-day visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin, held talks with Vice President Han in Beijing shortly after arriving.

In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said, “Our bilateral relationship, as you noted, has steadily improved since the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October. I am confident that the discussions during my visit will help sustain this positive momentum.”

Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China, Jaishankar pointed to a symbolic breakthrough—the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The pilgrimage had been suspended for five years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and rising border tensions.

“The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been warmly welcomed in India. Continued progress in normalising our ties can result in mutually rewarding outcomes,” he said.

Addressing the broader geopolitical landscape, Jaishankar added, “The current international environment is extremely complex. In such times, it is essential for two neighbouring powers and key global economies like India and China to maintain a candid and open exchange of views.” He expressed hope that such discussions would take place during his visit.

Following the meeting, Jaishankar posted on social media:
“Pleased to meet Vice President Han Zheng soon after arriving in Beijing today. Conveyed India’s support for China’s SCO Presidency. Noted the improvement in our bilateral ties and expressed confidence that my discussions here will help maintain this positive trajectory.”

This is Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, a deadly incident that severely damaged bilateral ties. Although he has met his Chinese counterpart at various multilateral events since then, this visit represents a significant step forward in diplomatic engagement amid ongoing border tensions.

With inputs from IANS