External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent visit to China underscores India's firm stance on counter-terrorism, emphasizing the need for "zero tolerance" in the region. During his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, Jaishankar highlighted that combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism is a shared concern, particularly within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) framework.

This visit, the first in five years, occurs amidst complex bilateral relations, strained by the 2020 Ladakh military standoff. Despite these tensions, both nations are working towards a stable and constructive relationship. Jaishankar noted that progress in resolving border frictions over the past nine months has created a foundation for restoring strategic trust. He stressed the importance of addressing remaining border issues, including de-escalation, to ensure peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which he termed fundamental for bilateral relations. Respecting the LAC and maintaining peace in border areas is essential. The prolongation of the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side. Efforts are being redoubled to achieve complete disengagement from remaining areas in Eastern Ladakh and restore border peace.

Discussions between Jaishankar and Chinese leaders covered a range of topics, including rare earth supplies to India, the Dalai Lama succession, recent India-Pakistan tensions, and the resumption of direct flights. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's visit to China last month also emphasized the urgency of countering terrorism in all its forms to maintain regional peace and stability.

India has expressed concerns over China's support for Pakistan, especially after the recent conflict triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack. China's backing of Pakistan's sovereignty and security, even after the ceasefire, has been a point of contention. Despite this, Jaishankar conveyed India's support for China's SCO presidency, acknowledging the importance of open communication between the two major economies, especially given the complex international environment.

At the SCO Council of Heads of State, Jaishankar reiterated the importance of respecting sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity as the basis for foreign policies. He stressed that combating terrorism should be a priority for the SCO, with decisive responses to cross-border terrorism and resolute measures against terrorism financing and recruitment.

Both ministers agreed that the steady improvement in relations should be maintained with continued normalization, which can produce mutually beneficial outcomes. This includes the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which had been suspended for five years. Jaishankar expressed confidence that his discussions would maintain a positive trajectory in relations, building on the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping last October.