Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong during his visit to the country and expressed his gladness at the steady progress reached in various bilateral initiatives.

After the meeting, Jaishakar wrote on X: "Good to catch-up with DPM @GANKIMYONG this evening in Singapore."

"Glad to note the steady progress in various bilateral initiatives. Looking forward to the 3rd India Singapore Ministerial Roundtable #ISMR," he said.

Jaishankar's China visit

Jaishankar will visit China on the second leg of his two-nation tour.

He will attend the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (CFM) in China.

"EAM will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the CFM," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

This is the first visit of Jaishankar to the neighbouring nation since the military standoff at the border in Ladakh in 2020.

Meanwhile, China has expressed its anger over Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's recent remarks on his 90th birthday on July 9, when he said only a trust set up by him can recognise his reincarnation.

Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju had endorsed his statement.

Beijing, however, said the next Dalai Lama would be endorsed by China.

China sends strong message to India on 'Dalai Lama' issue

Chinese Embassy spokesperson to India Yu Jing sent a strong message to India ahead of Jaishankar's visit over the recent remarks on Dalai Lama and wrote on X, " It has been noted some people from strategic and academic communities, including former officials, have made some improper remarks on the reincarnation of Dalai Lama, contrary to Indian government’s public stance."

She further said, "As professionals in foreign affairs, they should be fully cognizant of the sensitivity of issues related to Xizang, and that the reincarnation and succession of the Dalai Lama is inherently an internal affair of China, brooking no interference of any external forces."

In her strong words, she said: "In reality, Xizang-related issue is a thorn in China-India relations and has become a burden for India. Playing the “Xizang card” will definitely end up shooting oneself in the foot."