During extensive talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on July 15, 2025, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the need for a “far-seeing” strategy to bilateral relations between China and India.
A honest discussion on a number of important problems impacting the relationship between the two Asian giants characterized the meeting, which was held in advance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin.
Jaishankar expressed optimism that if India-China relations are based on mutual respect, interest, and sensitivity, they may develop in a constructive way. He emphasized the value of a stable and positive relationship, pointing out that both parties need to resolve unresolved issues, especially those pertaining to the border, and seek to normalize people-to-people interactions while avoiding trade restrictions.
Recognizing the progress made in the last nine months toward repairing bilateral relations was a major high point of the discussions. Friction at the eastern Ladakh border has been resolved, which has been credited with this development. In reference to the October 2024 agreement on patrolling procedures in Depsang and Demchok, which led to disengagement from all 2020 contention points, Jaishankar emphasized the necessity for more de-escalation and the resolution of outstanding border-related issues.
The Indian minister urged the reduction of trade restrictions and barriers, emphasizing that doing so is crucial to promoting cooperative efforts that benefit both parties. In addition, he acknowledged that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra had resumed after a five-year break and thanked the Chinese for their participation, citing this as an illustration of constructive people-to-people interaction.
India-China relations have been steadily strengthening since the leaders’ October 2024 encounter in Kazan, according to Jaishankar. Through bilateral trips as well as at international gatherings, he conveyed his expectation that frequent high-level contacts and strategic discussion would continue.
The 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations also fell on the same day as the meeting, a significant occasion that Jaishankar recognized as evidence of the relationship’s depth and longevity.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving favorable results at the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He emphasized that maintaining zero tolerance for terrorism, separatism, and extremism is a shared duty of both nations, adding that good India-China relations are advantageous for both parties as well as for international stability.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving favorable results at the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He emphasized that maintaining zero tolerance for terrorism, separatism, and extremism is a shared duty of both nations, adding that good India-China relations are advantageous for both parties as well as for international stability.
