New Delhi: India and China have held their first bilateral consultations under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) framework since relations began improving after the easing of tensions in eastern Ladakh, marking a fresh diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours.
The two-day meeting, held on April 16 and 17, focused on reviewing decisions taken by SCO leaders and discussing the future roadmap of cooperation within the regional bloc. Officials from both countries exchanged views on key issues including security, trade, connectivity, and regional stability.
The Indian delegation was led by SCO National Coordinator Alok A. Dimri, while the Chinese side was represented by National Coordinator Yan Wenbin. During the visit, the Chinese delegation also met Secretary (West) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George.
The talks are being viewed as a significant step in rebuilding ties after the prolonged military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. Diplomatic engagement between the two sides had slowed considerably following the border tensions that began in 2020.
Recent interactions through multilateral platforms such as SCO and BRICS have helped revive communication channels between New Delhi and Beijing.
India has consistently maintained that the SCO should remain focused on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, while also stressing that regional connectivity initiatives must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member nations.