Sat Jul 12 11:39:22 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will travel to Tianjin, China, next week to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting and visit China. This visit follows recent trips by the Indian Defence Minister and National Security Advisor, signaling efforts to normalize relations strained by the 2020 military standoff in Ladakh. Discussions are expected to cover SCO cooperation, international issues, and bilateral concerns, including China’s restrictions on rare earth metal exports. While both countries are working towards normalisation, differences remain, particularly concerning the border dispute, which has seen multiple rounds of unsuccessful talks. The visit aims to rebuild trust and explore ways to de-escalate tensions.

**News Article:**

**Jaishankar to Visit China for SCO Meeting, Talks Amid Easing Tensions**

**Beijing -** Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will travel to Tianjin, China, next week to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting on July 15, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced Saturday. The visit also includes bilateral talks with Chinese officials.

This trip marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to normalize relations between India and China, strained since the 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh. The agenda is expected to encompass a wide range of issues, from SCO cooperation and international matters to bilateral concerns such as China’s restrictions on rare earth metal exports crucial for various industries.

The visit follows recent trips by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to China. Discussions are expected to focus on de-escalating border tensions and finding a structured roadmap to resolve the long-standing boundary dispute. While both nations have engaged in 23 rounds of talks via the Special Representatives (SR) mechanism without a breakthrough, there is a renewed emphasis on reviving this dialogue format.

China is the current chair of the SCO, providing a platform for diplomatic engagement. Despite the efforts to improve ties, Chinese officials have acknowledged the boundary question remains complicated and requires time to resolve. The upcoming visit underscores the commitment from both sides to address these complexities and foster a more stable relationship.

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