NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, as part of a delegation of foreign ministers attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of recent developments in our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.”

This visit marks Jaishankar’s first to China since the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which severely strained India-China relations. He is in the country to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting being held in Tianjin.

On Monday, Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO gathering, including talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two ministers reviewed the current status of India-China relations, noting some progress toward stabilisation and rebuilding trust. Both sides emphasized the importance of people-centric engagement and agreed to explore enhanced cooperation as the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Jaishankar thanked China for facilitating the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and discussed expanding people-to-people exchanges, including improved travel access and the possibility of direct flight connectivity.

He also stressed the need for sustained peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), reiterating India’s commitment to de-escalation and effective border management.

“He underlined the need for cooperation on trans-border rivers, including the resumption of hydrological data sharing by the Chinese side. He also raised concerns regarding restrictive trade measures and other barriers to economic cooperation,” the MEA said.

The two ministers also discussed regional and global developments. Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for China’s current SCO presidency. “The discussions were constructive and forward-looking. The Ministers agreed to remain in touch, including through bilateral visits and meetings,” the MEA added.

Earlier, Jaishankar also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China.

“Good to meet IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao in Beijing. Discussed the changing global order and the emergence of multipolarity. Spoke about a constructive India-China relationship in that context,” he posted on X.

Founded as a regional security bloc, the SCO is a permanent intergovernmental organization comprising India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. Its agenda spans counterterrorism, regional security, economic cooperation, and connectivity.