For the first time after the tragic clash in the Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020, which marked a critical turning point in India-China relations, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar traveled to China in a significant diplomatic development.
His July 2025 visit suggests that the tense bilateral relations that have existed for more than five years may be about to improve. In high-level discussions with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng during his visit to Beijing, Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the “steadily improving” character of the two Asian giants’ relationship.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for a successful Chinese presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers Meeting, which also took place during this visit.
Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that since Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Kazan in October 2024, there have been indications of a recovery and normalization of the two countries’ bilateral relationship. He said he was hopeful that the positive momentum he was experiencing in Beijing would continue to be built upon in his current conversations.
The reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a major pilgrimage for Indian devotees that had been halted since the Galwan tragedy, is one of the main signs of this mending relationship. The minister stated that further engagement might result in “mutually beneficial outcomes” for both countries and that such developments are indicative of a larger trend of normalization.
One of the primary indicators of this healing relationship is the reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage for Indian believers that had been put on hold since the Galwan disaster. According to the minister, additional involvement might lead to “mutually beneficial outcomes” for both nations, and these kinds of advances are a sign of a broader normalization trend.
Both nations seem to be looking for a more practical and cooperative approach to their complicated bilateral ties by having direct conversations and taking part in multilateral forums like the SCO.
Even while fundamental concerns like border control and regional security are still on the agenda, Dr. Jaishankar’s comments highlight India’s readiness to advance through diplomacy, communication, and respect for one another. A cautious but promising start toward restoring confidence and promoting peace in the area is the visit.
