External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with fellow foreign ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, July 14.
In a post on social media, Jaishankar said he briefed President Xi on recent developments in India-China bilateral relations.
Jaishankar arrived in China on July 14 for a two-day visit to participate in the SCO foreign ministers’ conclave. This marks his first trip to China since the sharp downturn in ties following the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020.
“Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister @narendramodi,” he wrote on X.
He added, “Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.”
In 2020, a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley led to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, including a commanding officer, along with an unspecified number of Chinese PLA personnel, marking one of the most serious military confrontations between India and China in decades.
In October 2024, both sides reached a disengagement agreement addressing the final two friction points – Demchok and Depsang. Since then, India and China have moved to revive long-dormant bilateral dialogue mechanisms, signalling a gradual thaw in relations following the prolonged border standoff.
