India and China Signal Diplomatic Reset as Jaishankar Meets Wang Yi in Beijing

Image Source : Hindustan Times

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing this week, marking a significant moment in the ongoing effort to stabilize bilateral ties. The meeting comes amid a series of highlevel exchanges and follows Jaishankar’s remarks emphasizing the need for a “farseeing approach” to IndiaChina relations.

Key takeaways from the visit:

Jaishankar stated that both sides have made “good progress” over the past nine months toward normalizing relations, referencing the October 2024 meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan.
He stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and avoiding new complications, especially as both nations mark 75 years of diplomatic ties.
The ministers discussed regional security, border management, and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which had been suspended for nearly five years.

Strategic context:

The visit is Jaishankar’s first to China since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, which had severely strained relations.
It follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s June trip to Qingdao and signals a broader thaw, including the revival of the Special Representatives mechanism for border talks.
China’s Vice President Han Zheng echoed the need for deeper cooperation, invoking the metaphor of a “DragonElephant Dance” to describe the partnership.

Looking ahead:

Wang Yi is expected to visit India later this month to meet NSA Ajit Doval, continuing the dialogue on boundary issues and strategic coordination.

Sources: Moneycontrol, The Hans India, IndiaTV News, DW, Financial Express.