Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, July 15. This was their first meeting since the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The meeting happened during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial meet. According to ANI, Jaishankar passed on greetings from Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Focus on Bilateral Relations
During the discussion, Jaishankar updated Xi Jinping about the latest developments in India-China relations. He also underlined the importance of “continued leadership guidance in advancing bilateral ties.” This meeting highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations as they attempt to manage their complicated regional relationship.
After the meeting, Jaishankar posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “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.”
Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 15, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/tNfmEzpJGl
Disengagement Agreement Opened Doors
This meeting comes after both countries signed a disengagement agreement in October 2024. The agreement resolved the final two friction points—Demchok and Depsang—helping reduce tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This deal created space for improved diplomatic dialogue.
Revival of Dialogue and Ministerial Visits
In recent months, both nations restarted dialogue channels that had been paused earlier. Ministerial visits also resumed. Jaishankar’s visit follows Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s trip to Qingdao in June. That was the first visit by an Indian defence minister to China in over a decade.
Border Issues Still a Concern
On Monday, before meeting Xi Jinping, Jaishankar held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He called for “moving forward on de-escalation” along the LAC. Jaishankar added, “We have made good progress in the past nine months towards the normalisation of our bilateral relations... It is now incumbent on us to address other aspects related to the border.”
Trade Barriers and Strategic Tensions Continue
Despite the diplomatic progress, major problems remain. Jaishankar urged China to avoid “restrictive trade measures and roadblocks,” hinting at Beijing’s export controls on key minerals. He stressed that “differences should not become disputes and nor should competition become conflict.”
However, deeper issues persist. China’s close support for Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor in Pahalgam, as well as disagreements regarding the Dalai Lama’s succession, continue to strain ties. These challenges are likely to affect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to China later this year for the SCO Leaders' Summit.