India’s Foreign Minister to Visit China for First Time in Five Years: A Step Toward Diplomatic Rapprochement

India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, is set to undertake his first official visit to China in over five years. The trip, scheduled from July 13 to 15, 2025, comes at a critical juncture in India-China relations, which have been tense since the 2020 border clashes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This visit aims to revive bilateral dialogue, ease regional tensions, and prepare for upcoming multilateral engagements, particularly the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.

India's foreign minister will visit China this weekend in his first trip in over five years | NDTV

Reengagement Amid Lingering Tensions

Jaishankar’s visit marks a cautious step towards restoring communication between two of Asia’s largest powers. It will begin with bilateral talks in Beijing, where he is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. These discussions precede the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting to be held in Tianjin on July 14 and 15. The choice to hold dedicated bilateral talks before the multilateral forum highlights the importance both sides place on rebuilding trust and addressing outstanding issues directly.

The last five years have seen strained ties, punctuated by the deadly 2020 border standoff in eastern Ladakh, which severely disrupted diplomatic and military engagement. While some progress has been made since—such as partial troop disengagement agreements, resumption of direct flights, and reactivation of the Kailash–Mansarovar pilgrimage—the relationship remains fragile and complex.

Key Issues on the Diplomatic Table

Several critical subjects are expected to dominate the discussions between Jaishankar and Wang Yi. Border security remains a foremost concern. Both nations continue to negotiate troop withdrawals and patrolling protocols in sensitive areas like Demchok, Depsang, Pangong, and Galwan, where the 2020 clashes occurred. Progress on these fronts is vital to prevent future confrontations.

Economic cooperation and trade issues also feature prominently. India has expressed concern over China’s restrictions on exports of rare-earth minerals and specialty fertilizers, which are essential for India’s industrial and agricultural sectors. Resolving these trade disruptions is crucial for India's economic resilience.

Another sensitive topic is cross-border connectivity. After nearly five years of suspension, India and China have begun restoring direct flights and have reopened the Kailash–Mansarovar pilgrimage route. These developments are seen as confidence-building measures fostering people-to-people contact.

Additionally, security cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts remain under discussion. India’s firm stance on condemning terrorism, especially following attacks like the April 2025 Pahalgam incident, has occasionally created friction, exemplified by India’s refusal to endorse an SCO joint statement that omitted references to such attacks.

Lastly, the question of the Dalai Lama’s succession remains an ongoing, delicate issue, symbolizing the broader geopolitical and cultural complexities that characterize India-China relations.

The Larger Diplomatic Context

This visit does not exist in isolation but is part of a broader diplomatic pattern signaling tentative thawing. In October 2024, the two sides reached agreements on troop disengagement and patrolling arrangements. In early 2025, direct flights between the two countries resumed, and the Kailash–Mansarovar pilgrimage restarted, reinforcing the desire for gradual normalization.

Moreover, the SCO platform has become a key venue for dialogue. Jaishankar’s attendance at the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting follows India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s participation in the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao earlier this year. The presence of these high-profile Indian officials at SCO gatherings reflects India’s strategic approach to balance regional cooperation with protecting its national interests.

India has also intensified its Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on border issues, with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visiting Beijing multiple times since late 2024. These back-channel talks aim to complement formal diplomatic engagement by working through sensitive security issues discreetly.

Looking Ahead: Potential Outcomes and Significance

This visit is widely seen as laying the groundwork for a possible summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leadership at the SCO leaders’ summit expected in the fall of 2025. China has extended a warm invitation to Modiji, and this preliminary diplomatic activity will likely shape the agenda and tone for such high-level engagements.

Following Jaishankar’s return, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is anticipated to visit New Delhi later in July to continue the dialogue on border management and broader security concerns, indicating a reciprocal commitment to sustained engagement.

While the diplomatic gestures are encouraging, both India and China remain vigilant, given the underlying mistrust and unresolved disputes. The progress made during this visit and subsequent meetings will be crucial in determining whether the relationship can steadily move toward a more stable and constructive phase.

Conclusion

S. Jaishankar’s visit to China after a five-year hiatus is a significant moment in the complex tapestry of India-China relations. It reflects a shared recognition of the importance of dialogue amid ongoing challenges ranging from border security to trade disruptions and regional cooperation. As both countries navigate this delicate process, the visit offers an opportunity to rebuild trust and set a positive trajectory for bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The coming months will reveal whether these diplomatic overtures translate into tangible progress or remain cautious steps in a long and challenging journey.

(Sources: NDTV, Firstpost, Hindustan Times)