In a significant diplomatic engagement, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, July 15, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ summit. The meeting came at a time when both countries are attempting to manage a delicate phase in their bilateral relationship.

Dr. Jaishankar, who is leading the Indian delegation to the SCO meeting, conveyed warm greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Chinese President. He also provided an update on the recent developments in India-China relations, according to official sources.

During the conversation, the Indian minister underlined the importance of sustained top-level dialogue in steering the complex bilateral relationship forward. He emphasized that consistent guidance from both nations' leaderships remains vital to build trust and cooperation, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing regional and global challenges.

This interaction, while brief, carried strategic significance, marking one of the few high-level exchanges between India and China since the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in 2020. Although both nations have held multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks since then, a complete resolution remains elusive.

Sharing a moment from the meeting on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar stated:
“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. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.”