Is EAM Jaishankar Visiting China Today for the SCO Meeting?

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Is EAM Jaishankar Visiting China Today for the SCO Meeting?

Synopsis

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's imminent visit to China marks a pivotal moment in India-China relations. As he attends the SCO meeting in Tianjin, this visit comes after significant diplomatic engagements aimed at rebuilding trust. Will this lead to a new era in bilateral ties?

Key Takeaways

  • EAM Jaishankar's visit signifies a step towards improved India-China relations.
  • The meeting at the SCO is crucial for regional cooperation.
  • PM Modi's principles of mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity are key to future relations.
  • Recent dialogues among top officials highlight ongoing security concerns.
  • Maintaining peace along the Indo-China border remains a priority.

New Delhi, July 13 (NationPress) - External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to commence a three-day journey to China beginning Sunday for the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, taking place in Tianjin.

This marks the Minister's first official visit to China since the bilateral relations were significantly affected by the violent clash in Galwan Valley involving soldiers from both nations at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in June 2020.

A noteworthy development occurred after Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a crucial bilateral dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping - the first such meeting at the delegation level in almost five years - during the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2023.

During this meeting, PM Modi emphasized to President Xi that the relationship between India and China should hinge on three foundational principles: mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual sensitivity to restore a positive and sustainable trajectory.

In the wake of this, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have made visits to Beijing to engage in comprehensive discussions on various intricate matters.

Addressing the 20th meeting of the Security Council Secretaries of the SCO Member States in Beijing last month, NSA Doval expressed India's serious concerns regarding the ongoing threat posed by terror groups recognized by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), along with Al Qaeda and ISIS.

Highlighting the brutal Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor aimed at dismantling terror networks beyond the border, NSA Doval stressed the urgent necessity to eliminate double standards in combating terrorism and to take decisive measures against UN-designated terrorists.

During his visit, NSA Doval also held talks with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and China's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides discussed the recent developments in India-China relations and stressed the importance of enhancing overall bilateral relations, particularly through increased people-to-people engagement.

Simultaneously, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, where they discussed maintaining peace along the Indo-China border.

Point of View

It is crucial to recognize the importance of this visit by EAM Jaishankar to China. It symbolizes India's commitment to diplomatic engagement despite previous tensions. This approach demonstrates a strategic alignment towards fostering stability and collaboration in a region marked by challenges.
NationPress
13/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of EAM Jaishankar's visit to China?
EAM Jaishankar's visit aims to attend the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and to discuss critical bilateral relations with China.
When did the tensions between India and China escalate?
Tensions escalated significantly after the violent Galwan Valley clash in June 2020.
What key principles did PM Modi emphasize for India-China relations?
PM Modi highlighted the need for mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity to improve India-China ties.
Who else has visited Beijing recently for discussions?
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have all visited Beijing for discussions on various issues.
What was discussed in the recent meetings regarding terrorism?
Discussions focused on the threat posed by UN-designated terror groups and the need for decisive action against them.