What Constructive Discussions Did EAM Jaishankar Have with China Ahead of the SCO Meeting?

Beijing, July 14 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged in meaningful discussions with Liu Jianchao, the Minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee (IDCPC), focusing on a constructive approach to the India-China relationship in Beijing.

EAM Jaishankar took to X to share, "It was a pleasure to meet IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao in Beijing. We deliberated on the evolving global landscape and the rise of multipolarity, emphasizing a constructive India-China relationship within that framework."

Furthermore, EAM Jaishankar met with Wang Yi, a prominent member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and China's Foreign Minister, underlining the necessity for a visionary approach to bilateral relations and the establishment of a stable and constructive partnership between the two neighboring nations.

"It is our responsibility to tackle border-related issues, enhance people-to-people interactions, and eliminate trade barriers and obstacles. I am optimistic that with a foundation built on mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity, our ties can evolve positively," the EAM posted on X after their meeting.

This visit marks EAM Jaishankar's first trip to China since the violent clash in Galwan Valley in May 2020, as he prepares to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers' Meeting (CFM) in Tianjin on Tuesday.

"During the SCO meeting, which primarily focuses on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, we will address shared concerns. India strongly advocates for zero tolerance towards terrorism," Jaishankar stated in his opening remarks while meeting the Chinese Foreign Minister.

Earlier, Jaishankar met with SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev, discussing the increasing significance of the SCO and ongoing modernization efforts.

Post-meeting, the EAM expressed on social media, "Pleased to meet SCO SG Nurlan Yermekbayev in Beijing today. We discussed the vital contributions of the SCO and the initiatives aimed at modernizing its operations."

This diplomatic dialogue occurs ahead of the 25th Heads of State Council meeting of the SCO, scheduled for later this year in Tianjin. India took over the SCO Presidency in 2023, followed by Pakistan, which will host the Leaders' Summit in 2024.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a permanent intergovernmental body that includes India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus, aiming to enhance regional cooperation in political, economic, and security matters.

Jaishankar's visit also follows recent high-level Indian participation in SCO events, including the visits of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to China in June for defence and security-focused SCO meetings.

Additionally, the EAM met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, emphasizing that the ongoing normalization of ties between India and China could yield mutually beneficial results.

He highlighted the importance of open dialogue and the exchange of perspectives between two major neighboring economies.