India and China engaged in their first bilateral consultations under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Thursday and Friday, reflecting a thaw in their previously strained relations. The discussions, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), aimed to implement decisions made by SCO leaders and outline the organization's future direction. Both nations expressed a commitment to strengthening collaboration within the SCO framework. This engagement follows the resolution of the eastern Ladakh military standoff in 2024, which has led to increased multilateral cooperation between India and China, including their participation in BRICS. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit India for the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting scheduled for May 14-15, and President Xi Jinping is anticipated to attend a summit in India in September. The MEA highlighted that both delegations met with secretary (west) Sibi George to review cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and connectivity. India, a full member of the SCO since 2017, views the organization as crucial for addressing issues like terrorism and enhancing regional connectivity while respecting sovereignty.