July 14 ,2025– In a key diplomatic development, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. The talks centered around the importance of open communication and mutual cooperation between the two Asian powers.
Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that frank and honest dialogue remains essential for maintaining peace and stability in the region. Highlighting the value of multilateral platforms like the SCO, he noted that such forums should be used to foster understanding and resolve differences through peaceful means.
The high-level discussions come at a time when India and China continue to face unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), following the border tensions that escalated in 2020. Although both countries have engaged in military and diplomatic negotiations since then, friction points remain, particularly in Eastern Ladakh.
During the SCO interactions, Jaishankar underlined India’s commitment to the organization’s foundational values — respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. He also stressed that regional cooperation must be based on trust, equality, and transparency.
The Indian minister’s meeting with Vice President Han touched upon not only bilateral issues but also broader regional concerns, including connectivity, trade, and security. While India has expressed reservations over China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), citing sovereignty-related issues, particularly regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), New Delhi reiterated its preference for projects that are open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial.
In addition to the meeting with Han Zheng, Dr. Jaishankar also interacted with senior officials and foreign ministers from other SCO member states, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. These talks focused on strengthening economic ties, enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation, and advancing regional connectivity.
The External Affairs Minister’s presence at the SCO summit demonstrates India’s continued commitment to engaging with key regional players through structured dialogue. His message of cooperation was aimed not only at improving bilateral ties with China but also at reinforcing India’s role as a responsible stakeholder in regional stability.
As the SCO continues to grow in geopolitical relevance, India’s active participation and its emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy are expected to contribute positively to addressing shared challenges such as terrorism, cyber security, and economic recovery.
