Jaishankar–Xi Jinping Meet Marks First Post-Galwan Diplomatic Engagement

Jaishankar Meets Xi Jinping in Beijing, First Engagement Since Galwan Clash.

India and China signal cautious diplomatic thaw amid ongoing border tensions External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, marking a significant diplomatic moment as the two nations attempt to recalibrate ties following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

Jaishankar is in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting — his first visit to the country in five years. During the meeting, he conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Chinese President.

“Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.”

The meeting signals a tentative step forward in bilateral engagement, as both countries continue discussions over the unresolved border standoff in eastern Ladakh. It is the first high-level Indian contact with the Chinese President since tensions flared in 2020.