EXTERNAL Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and discussed the trajectory of India-China bilateral relations. The interaction took place as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ call on the Chinese President. In a post on X following the meeting, Jaishankar wrote, “Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties.

 

Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.” The EAM is in China, his first visit to the country since the violent confrontation in Galwan Valley in May 2020, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (CFM) in Tianjin. On Monday, the EAM held multiple high-level meetings to deepen dialogue and cooperation with Chinese officials. He met Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee (IDCPC), and discussed the need for a constructive India-China relationship. He also held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a senior member of the CPC Political Bureau. SCO should improve mechanisms to respond to security threats: Chinese President Xi: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday told the Foreign Ministers of the SCO member States that the grouping should improve mechanisms to respond to security threats and challenges, and build a solid security barrier. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was among the Foreign Ministers and heads of standing bodies of the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) whom Xi met here ahead of their meeting in Tianjin.

 

Xi said that over the past 24 years since its founding, the SCO has always upheld the Shanghai Spirit, grown into a mature and robust organisation, and demonstrated strong vitality. He stressed that in the face of a turbulent and changing international landscape, the SCO must stay focused and confident, act efficiently and play a more proactive role in injecting greater stability and positive energy into the world.