Jaishankar Meets Chinese VP Han Zheng, Stresses Need for Normalized Ties

On first China visit since Galwan clash, Indian Foreign Minister highlights Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumption and calls for open dialogue

Beijing – During a key meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Monday, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the continued normalization of India-China relations can deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. He highlighted the importance of open dialogue and the exchange of ideas between the two Asian giants, both of which play significant roles in the global economy.

Jaishankar’s meeting with Han took place soon after his arrival in Beijing for a three-day visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Tianjin. It marks his first official trip to China since the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which had sharply deteriorated bilateral ties.

In his opening remarks, Jaishankar noted that India-China ties have shown steady improvement following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October. “I am confident that my discussions during this visit will help take our relations further in a positive direction,” he said.

To mark the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic ties, Jaishankar highlighted a major development: the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which had been suspended for five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent border tensions. He said the pilgrimage’s restoration was “widely appreciated in India.”

Speaking about the current global scenario, Jaishankar remarked, “The international situation today is complex. As neighboring countries and major economies, it is important that India and China have open exchanges of views and ideas.” He said he looked forward to such discussions during his stay.

Following the meeting, Jaishankar took to social media to share: “Delighted to meet Vice President Han Zheng soon after arriving in Beijing today. Expressed India’s support for China’s SCO chairmanship. We remain focused on improving our bilateral relationship and are optimistic about the progress through this visit.”

Although Jaishankar has engaged with Chinese officials at multilateral forums since 2020, this visit signals a significant step in reviving high-level diplomatic dialogue amid ongoing border concerns and the push for regional stability.