External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday stressed the importance of keeping communication lines open between India and China and said that regular dialogue was necessary to build a relationship that served the interests of both nations.

During his meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, Jaishankar said that frequent dialogue and exchange of views were essential for the two neighbouring countries and added that the only way to improve ties was through regular communication, which could lead to a constructive and positive outcome for both sides.

According to media reports, S Jaishankar underlined the need for open discussions between India and China, especially at a time when the global situation remains difficult.

“The international situation, as we are meeting today, is very complex,” Jaishankar stated. “As neighbouring countries and major economies, it is extremely important that India and China continue to have an open exchange of views and perspectives. I look forward to such discussions during this visit.”

The External Affairs Minister also noted that there were signs of progress in India-China ties and said that India welcomed China’s leadership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

After arriving in Beijing, Jaishankar posted on X, “Pleased to meet Vice President Han Zheng shortly after my arrival in Beijing today. Expressed India's encouragement for China's SCO Presidency. Appreciated the upgrade in our bilateral relations and confidence that talks during my visit will continue that upward trend.”

Jaishankar also welcomed the restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which had been suspended for five years due to the COVID pandemic and diplomatic tensions, and said that the reopening of the route to Tibet had received a warm response in India.

Jaishankar also held talks with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev, where they discussed the organisation’s role and the steps being taken to modernise it.

After the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X, “Glad to meet SCO SG Nurlan Yermekbayev in Beijing today. Discussed the contribution and importance of SCO, as well as the endeavours to modernise its working.”

The Minister reached China after completing his visit to Singapore, and this is his first trip to Beijing in five years. During the visit, he will attend the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin and take part in several bilateral meetings on the sidelines.

The twenty-fifth meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is set to take place in Tianjin later this year, and India chaired the SCO in 2023, while Pakistan hosted the SCO leaders’ summit in 2024, as per ANI.

This visit is also significant as it marks Jaishankar’s first trip to China since relations between the two countries turned tense following the deadly Galwan Valley clash along the Line of Actual Control in 2020.