Key Details of External Affairs Minister 's Visit to China

External Affairs Minister  is set to visit Tianjin, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meeting on July 14-15, hosted by Chinese Foreign Minister. This will be his first visit since the military standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in May 2020.

Significance of the SCO Meeting

• The meeting will set the stage for the SCO Leaders’ Summit in Tianjin, expected in early September.

India-China Bilateral Relations

• Despite multilateral meetings, bilateral tensions persist due to India's Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, a Chinese ally.
• Lt General accused China of supporting Pakistan with "live inputs" during military operations.
• India identifies China, Pakistan, and Turkey as "three adversaries" on the northern border.

Recent Diplomatic Engagements

• Defence Minister called for a "structured roadmap" for permanent engagement and de-escalation with China.
• The Indian side is working with "eyes wide open" due to ongoing border tensions.
• The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed, and discussions are ongoing to resume direct flights and ease visa restrictions.