EAM Jaishankar meets Russian, Iranian counterparts in Tianjin; calls on President Xi in Beijing

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers in Tianjin, China, marking a significant round of engagements with Russia, Iran, and China.

Talks with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss bilateral cooperation and pressing global developments. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Russia-India “special privileged strategic partnership”, with discussions spanning the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East, and cooperation in multilateral platforms.

"Reviewed our bilateral cooperation and global developments with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of Russia in Tianjin this afternoon," Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Moscow noted that the meeting also touched upon the schedule of upcoming diplomatic engagements, highlighting continuity in the Russia-India relationship amid global uncertainties.

Meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister

Jaishankar also held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, calling it a “good catch-up” during the SCO meeting. The meeting comes just two months after Araghchi’s May visit to New Delhi, where he co-chaired the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty.

That visit, Araghchi’s first to India since assuming office in August 2024, focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, connectivity, and regional stability, particularly concerning developments in Afghanistan and West Asia.

Jaishankar Calls on President Xi Jinping in Beijing

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar, along with other SCO Foreign Ministers, called on Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. He conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and briefed Xi on recent developments in India-China bilateral ties.

“Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard,” Jaishankar wrote on X.

First Visit Since Galwan Clash

Jaishankar’s visit to China is his first since the Galwan Valley clash in May 2020, which severely strained India-China relations. On Monday, he held key bilateral meetings, including a sit-down with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, now a senior CPC Politburo member, to discuss the future of the India-China relationship.

He also met Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), underscoring the need for a “constructive” and stable bilateral dynamic between the two Asian powers.

The series of meetings signal India’s continued engagement in shaping its diplomatic positioning in a rapidly evolving global order, with special focus on regional partnerships, strategic autonomy, and economic cooperation.