EAM Jaishankar Meets Chinese Vice President in Beijing

Beijing : In a significant diplomatic engagement, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing on Monday, expressing optimism about the ongoing improvement in India-China relations and the potential for further progress through open dialogue.

Dr. Jaishankar, currently on a three-day official visit to Singapore and China from July 13–15, is also scheduled to attend the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin on July 15.

Upon his arrival in Beijing, Jaishankar shared on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter),

“Pleased to meet Chinese Vice President Han Zheng soon after landing in Beijing. Conveyed India’s support for China’s SCO Chairmanship. Our ties have improved, and I am confident that this visit will contribute positively to that trend.”

According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, during the meeting with Han Zheng, Jaishankar emphasized that the bilateral relationship has seen consistent progress since the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping last October in Kazan. He reiterated India's appreciation for the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which holds religious and cultural significance for Indian citizens.

“Sustained normalization in our relationship can yield mutually beneficial outcomes,” Jaishankar stated. “As neighboring countries and major global economies, it is essential that India and China maintain an open exchange of ideas and perspectives.”

The discussion also reflected India’s strategic approach to regional diplomacy, emphasizing cooperation in regional connectivity, border management, and restoring people-to-people exchanges post-COVID disruptions.

Singapore Leg: Strengthening Economic and Strategic Ties
Before arriving in Beijing, Dr. Jaishankar visited Singapore, where he met with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong, and Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.

According to MEA, the visit served to review the progress of Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Singapore and the outcomes of the second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR). Key areas of collaboration include investment, industrial parks, semiconductors, infrastructure, skilling, and digital connectivity.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional developments, particularly ASEAN cooperation, Indo-Pacific strategies, and pressing issues in the global development agenda.

Dr. Jaishankar's back-to-back engagements in Singapore and China highlight India’s diplomatic thrust in Asia, balancing strategic dialogue, economic collaboration, and multilateral engagement through platforms like the SCO. His visit comes at a time when global attention is sharply focused on stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.