Will EAM Jaishankar's Upcoming Visit to China Reshape Bilateral Ties?
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Synopsis
EAM S. Jaishankar's upcoming visit to China could mark a significant turning point in India-China relations. As the two nations navigate through past tensions, this meeting under the SCO banner is poised to address pressing concerns, including terrorism and border stability, potentially reshaping diplomatic ties for the future.
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar to visit China from July 13 for three days.
- Focus on bilateral relations and cooperation among SCO member states.
- First visit since the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020.
- Significant meeting between PM Modi and President Xi in October 2023.
- Emphasis on counter-terrorism efforts.
New Delhi, July 4 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is scheduled for a three-day trip to China commencing on July 13, according to insiders from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The visit will kick off in Beijing before moving to Tianjin for the Foreign Minister’s Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member nations, with China currently presiding over the grouping.
This journey marks EAM Jaishankar's first official trip to China following the significant tensions that arose after the violent Galwan Valley clashes between the two nations at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in June 2020.
A pivotal moment occurred when Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a crucial bilateral dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping—the first at the delegation level in almost five years—during the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2023.
During this meeting, PM Modi communicated to President Xi that the relations between India and China must be founded on three principles: mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual sensitivity to chart a sustainable path forward.
Subsequently, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have made their way to Beijing to discuss intricate issues.
In a recent address at the 20th meeting of the Security Council Secretaries of the SCO Member States in Beijing, NSA Doval expressed India’s deep concerns regarding the persistent threats from terror organizations recognized by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), both of which are state-supported terror groups operating from Pakistan, alongside Al Qaeda and ISIS.
Emphasizing the heinous Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the border, NSA Doval insisted on the urgent requirement to eliminate double standards in the fight against terrorism and take decisive actions against UN-designated terrorists and entities.
During his visit, NSA Doval also met with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides discussed recent developments in India-China relations and highlighted the necessity of enhancing bilateral ties, including fostering greater people-to-people connections. NSA Doval reiterated the importance of combating terrorism in all forms to maintain regional peace and stability.
In parallel, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun during the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting held in Qingdao. The two ministers engaged in detailed discussions about maintaining peace and tranquility along the Indo-China border.
Raksha Mantri acknowledged the efforts made by both nations to restore normalcy in bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of resolving complex issues through a structured approach for permanent engagement and de-escalation, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.
Highlighting the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar yatra after a five-year hiatus, Defence Minister Singh also commemorated the significant milestone of 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the significance of EAM Jaishankar's upcoming visit to China. This trip represents a key opportunity to address longstanding issues and foster dialogue aimed at stability and cooperation. As India navigates its foreign relations, maintaining a balanced approach while prioritizing national interests is paramount.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of EAM Jaishankar's visit to China?
The visit aims to discuss bilateral relations and address pressing issues like terrorism, border stability, and fostering cooperation among SCO member countries.
When is EAM Jaishankar's visit scheduled?
EAM Jaishankar's visit to China is scheduled to begin on July 13 and will last for three days.
What recent events led to this visit?
The visit follows a significant meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2023, intended to ease tensions after the Galwan Valley clashes.
How does this visit relate to the SCO?
EAM Jaishankar will participate in the Foreign Minister's Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which China currently chairs.
What are India's concerns regarding terrorism?
India is particularly concerned about threats from UN-designated terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which operate from Pakistan.
