Uneasy neighbors and the world’s two most populous nations, China and India invoked benefits of cooperative ties at the start of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting.
While China’s vice president called for practical cooperation, Indian external affairs minister underscored the importance of the two countries exchanging views in a complex world.
During a meeting with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said on Monday noted that India and China need to advance practical cooperation and respect mutual concerns to ensure stable development of bilateral ties.
The meeting took place in Beijing ahead of SCO moot being held in Tianjin in northern China on Tuesday.
Pleased to meet Vice President Han Zheng soon after my arrival in Beijing today.
Conveyed India’s support for China’s SCO Presidency.
Noted the improvement in our bilateral ties. And expressed confidence that discussions during my visit will maintain that positive trajectory. pic.twitter.com/F8hXRHVyOE
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 14, 2025
Jaishankar praised the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and China, noting that the “continued normalization of our ties can produce mutually beneficial outcomes.”
The Indian minister underlined the need for “an open exchange of views and perspectives between India and China” in an international situation that is becoming increasingly complex.
China and India are also founding members of BRICS alliance, which met in Brazil last week.
Relations between Beijing and New Delhi nosedived in 2020 when clashes broke out over disputed border in Ladakh area of Himalayan Kashmir region.
Pakistan rubbishes Indian claims of China’s live help during May conflict
Since then, the two countries have made cautious moves to restore mutual confidence, but many points of friction remain to be resolved.
Despite differences, the two countries are large trading partners.
India is also part of a group called Quad, which includes the United States, Japan and Australia and is perceived to be a platform to counter China.
China was also seen as an indirect protagonist in India-Pakistan clashes in May this year, when Pakistan air force shot down several Indian warplanes including French high-tech Rafale jets.
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