External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing on Monday, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and expressing optimism that recent improvements in India-China relations will continue. This marks Jaishankar's first visit to China since the military standoff in 2020 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meeting.

During the discussions, Jaishankar conveyed India's support for China's SCO presidency and noted the steady improvement in bilateral ties since the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October. He expressed confidence that his visit would further maintain this positive trajectory. Jaishankar also highlighted the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage that is widely appreciated in India. He stressed that continued normalization of ties could lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.

Jaishankar acknowledged the complex international situation and underscored the importance of open exchange of views and perspectives between India and China as neighboring nations and major economies. Han Zheng echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for cooperation and understanding between the two countries.

The SCO meeting in Tianjin on July 15 includes foreign ministers from China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. Jaishankar's visit follows recent trips to China by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

While both sides expressed willingness to improve relations, some challenges remain. China has asserted its claims in the India border with a fresh list of place names. Issues related to Tibet, including the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, remain a sensitive topic. China maintains that the Dalai Lama's succession must adhere to Chinese law, while India has affirmed the Dalai Lama and his institution's authority in the matter.

Despite these challenges, there have been positive steps towards mending relations. Direct flights between the two countries are expected to resume. In June, China announced that it would allow Indian pilgrims to return to Tibet.