External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made his first visit to China since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, marking a significant moment in India-China relations. Attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin and holding bilateral talks with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar delivered a resolute message on terrorism, urging the SCO to uphold an “uncompromising” stance against the “three evils” of terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Citing the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, he emphasized India’s zero-tolerance policy and called for collective action to combat terrorism, indirectly addressing China’s support for Pakistan. This visit, aligning with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, underscores New Delhi’s push for regional stability and stronger bilateral ties while maintaining a firm stand against terrorism.
A Firm Stand Against Terrorism
Addressing the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin on July 15, Jaishankar highlighted the Pahalgam attack as a “graphic example” of terrorism’s devastating impact, noting it was “deliberately conducted to undermine the tourism economy of Jammu and Kashmir, while sowing a religious divide.” He reminded the gathering, attended by counterparts from China, Pakistan, Russia, and other SCO members, that the organization was founded to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which “often occur together.” Quoting a UN Security Council statement that condemned the attack and called for justice, Jaishankar affirmed, “We have since done exactly that and will continue doing so,” referring to India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories.
Jaishankar’s remarks carried added weight in the presence of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, especially after Pakistan’s objection to including references to the Pahalgam attack in a joint statement at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in June 2025. Without naming China or Pakistan directly, he criticized their ambiguous stances on terrorism, particularly Beijing’s history of blocking UN sanctions against Pakistan-based terrorists. He stressed that the SCO must remain true to its founding objectives by adopting an “uncompromising position” on these threats, a message resonating with India’s long-standing call for zero tolerance.
Navigating India-China Relations
Jaishankar’s visit, the first since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash that killed 20 Indian and an unknown number of Chinese soldiers, reflects cautious progress in normalizing bilateral ties. Meetings with Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi focused on sustaining the positive trajectory initiated by the October 2024 meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia. Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi to Xi, noting improvements in ties, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a five-year hiatus and progress in resolving border friction at Demchok and Depsang.
In talks with Wang Yi, Jaishankar emphasized that “lasting peace along the India-China border remains the bedrock for restoring strategic trust.” He called for full de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and flagged China’s restrictive trade practices, such as delays in exporting rare earth magnets, fertilizers, and tunnel boring machines for India’s Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. He advocated for “mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity” as guiding principles, urging the removal of trade barriers to foster mutually beneficial cooperation.
Jaishankar also highlighted the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations in 2025, expressing optimism that continued normalization could yield positive outcomes. However, he raised concerns about China’s support for Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor and its broader geopolitical alignment with Islamabad, which remains a sticking point.
SCO as a Platform for Regional Stability
The SCO, comprising 10 member states—India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus—serves as a critical platform for addressing regional security and economic challenges. Jaishankar underscored the SCO’s role in a multipolar world, stating, “Our ability to contribute to the shaping of world affairs will naturally depend on how well we come together on a shared agenda.” He called for cooperation grounded in mutual respect and sovereign equality, subtly critiquing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which India opposes due to sovereignty concerns over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Jaishankar also advocated for increased SCO development assistance to Afghanistan, emphasizing India’s commitment to the Afghan people’s well-being amid the Taliban’s control since 2021. This stance aligns with India’s broader push for regional stability, contrasting with China’s and Russia’s differing approaches to Afghanistan.
Geopolitical Context and Domestic Criticism
The visit comes amid complex regional dynamics, including China’s support for Pakistan during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict following the Pahalgam attack. China’s Foreign Ministry called Pakistan an “ironclad friend” and vowed to deepen their strategic partnership, raising concerns in New Delhi. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some praising Jaishankar’s firm stance—“Bharat’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism is clear”—while others question China’s reliability given its support for Pakistan.
Domestically, the Congress party criticized Jaishankar’s visit, with Rahul Gandhi accusing him of “destroying India’s foreign policy” and Jairam Ramesh questioning his engagement with China, which backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate claimed no terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack have been arrested, a point Jaishankar countered by highlighting India’s decisive response. These criticisms reflect the political sensitivity of India-China engagement amid ongoing border and terrorism concerns.
Aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047
Jaishankar’s visit aligns with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, which emphasizes global leadership and regional stability. By advocating for a strong anti-terrorism stance within the SCO and pushing for normalized India-China ties, Jaishankar is positioning India as a responsible global power committed to a rules-based order. His promotion of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as an alternative to China’s BRI further underscores India’s strategic autonomy and economic ambitions.
The visit also builds on recent high-level engagements, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s trips to China in June 2025 for SCO meetings, and the anticipated visit of Wang Yi to India for Special Representatives dialogue on the border dispute. These efforts signal India’s commitment to resolving tensions while asserting its security priorities.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite progress, challenges remain. China’s trade restrictions and support for Pakistan, particularly during the May 2025 conflict, complicate bilateral trust. The Dalai Lama succession issue also looms as a potential irritant. However, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and ongoing border disengagement talks offer opportunities for confidence-building. Jaishankar’s call for open dialogue and mutual respect provides a framework for navigating these complexities.
India’s firm stance on terrorism, coupled with its push for economic and diplomatic normalization, positions it as a key player in shaping the SCO’s agenda. By leveraging multilateral platforms like the SCO, India can amplify its voice on global issues while addressing bilateral tensions with China, aligning with its broader goal of becoming a global knowledge and security superpower by 2047.
A Turning Point for India-China Ties?
Jaishankar’s visit marks a critical juncture in India-China relations, balancing diplomacy with a resolute anti-terrorism stance. His sharp message at the SCO underscores India’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, even as it seeks to stabilize ties with China. By addressing both bilateral progress and regional security challenges, Jaishankar has laid the groundwork for constructive dialogue, potentially paving the way for PM Modi’s anticipated visit to China for the SCO Leaders’ Summit later in 2025.
As India navigates a complex global landscape, Jaishankar’s visit reflects its strategic maturity—engaging a key neighbor while upholding national interests. The outcome of these discussions will shape not only India-China relations but also the SCO’s role in fostering regional stability, making this a pivotal moment for India’s geopolitical strategy and its Viksit Bharat aspirations.
