Image Credit: X account @DrSJaishankar
EAM Jaishankar Calls For Ongoing Normalisation With China
External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has called for continued efforts to normalise India-China relations during his visit to Beijing. This is his first official trip to mainland China since the 2020 border standoff in eastern Ladakh.
Jaishankar met Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting. He emphasised that the relationship had “seen some improvement,” especially after the leaders met at the BRICS summit in Kazan in 2024, and said it was “important to sustain that momentum.”
He highlighted that “the relationship between India and China is important not only for us, but also has larger implications,” adding that both sides “need to work towards a balanced, stable and sustainable relationship.”
Referring to border issues, Jaishankar stated, “The Line of Actual Control must be respected and peace and tranquillity in border areas must be maintained.”
On people-to-people ties, he said the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was widely welcomed by Indian citizens and showed signs of returning normalcy. He also reiterated India’s support for China’s SCO presidency and said that both countries must continue to enhance cooperation in regional and multilateral forums.
The visit comes amid ongoing talks on disengagement at friction points along the LAC and the broader need to stabilise bilateral ties. Despite partial troop pullbacks, several sensitive points remain under tight watch by both armies.
Jaishankar’s visit also includes meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He is expected to continue discussing trade, connectivity, and restoring diplomatic momentum.
India maintains that the normalisation of ties with China can only progress if there is meaningful de-escalation along the border and mutual respect for sovereignty.
