Indian Envoy Meets Chinese Official Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions

GG News Bureau
Beijing, 13th May: As tensions simmer between India and Pakistan following India’s targeted strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a quiet but meaningful diplomatic exchange took place in Beijing. India’s Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, met with Liu Jinsong, Director-General for Asian Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in what many are viewing as a timely effort to keep dialogue open amid growing regional unease.

While the Chinese Foreign Ministry kept its statement brief—merely noting an exchange of views on bilateral ties and issues of mutual concern—the backdrop to this conversation adds significant weight. India’s recent action against terror infrastructure in Pakistan has put South Asia back in the international spotlight, raising concerns about potential escalation.

In this context, Rawat’s meeting with Liu appears to be more than just a routine diplomatic engagement. For India, it signals the importance of keeping China in the loop, especially as Beijing shares borders and strategic interests with both India and Pakistan.

The encounter is also being seen as an attempt by both sides to manage perceptions and reduce the scope for misunderstandings—particularly crucial given the complex state of India-China relations since the Galwan clash of 2020. Despite existing frictions, Monday’s meeting suggests that New Delhi and Beijing are still willing to talk and keep the diplomatic lines alive.

Analysts say the conversation may have included India’s concern over Pakistan’s use of terrorism as state policy and sought China’s cooperation—or at least neutrality—on the matter. On its part, China may be aiming to balance its regional relationships while promoting an image of a stabilising force in Asia.

While the details of the discussion remain behind closed doors, the message is clear: even in tense times, diplomacy still has a seat at the table.