'Open Exchange Important': Jaishankar Optimistic About 'Improvement' In Bilateral Ties With China, Resumption Of Mansarovar Yatra

On Monday (14 July), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, where they acknowledged the enhancement in their bilateral relations. Jaishankar expressed optimism that the dialogues during his visit would uphold this positive trend.

In his interaction with Han Zheng, Jaishankar conveyed India's backing for China's presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), NDTV reported.

Jaishankar posted on X, "Pleased to meet Vice President Han Zheng soon after my arrival in Beijing today. Conveyed India's support for China's SCO Presidency. Noted the improvement in our bilateral ties. And expressed confidence that discussions during my visit will maintain that positive trajectory."

During the initial conversation with Han, Jaishankar voiced his optimism that the discussions throughout his visit would sustain the upward trend. He observed that the relationship between the two countries had been on the rise since the summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan.

He said, "India supports a successful Chinese presidency at the SCO. Excellency, our bilateral relationship, as you have pointed out, has been steadily improving since the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October. I am confident that my discussions in this visit will maintain that positive trajectory."

Jaishankar asserted that the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China has been commemorated. He also pointed out that the recommencement of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has received broad recognition and appreciation in India.

He added, "The international situation, as we meet today, Excellency, is very complex. As neighbouring nations and major economies, an open exchange of views and perspectives between India and China is very important. I look forward to such discussions during this visit."