Rajnath Singh, Chinese Defence Minister Hold Talks at SCO Meet

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun to discuss critical issues surrounding border management and the need for a lasting solution to the ongoing boundary disputes between the two countries.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the two ministers held detailed discussions focused on ensuring peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Singh acknowledged the ongoing efforts by both countries to restore normalcy in bilateral relations and highlighted the importance of maintaining peace in border areas.

During the meeting, Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of resolving the complex border issues through an established framework of dialogue and mutual engagement. He called for a structured and long-term approach to de-escalation and emphasized the creation of a cooperative atmosphere that benefits both countries and contributes to broader regional stability.

He also underscored the need to rebuild trust that was impacted by the 2020 border standoff in eastern Ladakh, urging that concrete actions on the ground are necessary to restore confidence and goodwill.

The Ministry of Defence noted that both sides agreed to maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels and to work toward progress on disengagement, de-escalation, border management, and eventual border delimitation using the existing mechanisms.

India and China had previously reached an agreement in October 2024 on patrolling protocols in the Depsang Plains and Demchok areas, following earlier disengagements in other friction zones after multiple rounds of dialogue at various levels.

During the meeting, Rajnath Singh also welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after nearly five years. He highlighted this as a significant step, especially in a year when India and China mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Singh also briefed Admiral Dong Jun about the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that occurred on April 22, and provided an overview of Operation Sindoor, India’s counter-terror initiative aimed at dismantling terror networks operating out of Pakistan.

After the meeting, Singh posted on social media platform X: "Held talks with Admiral Dong Jun, the Defence Minister of China, on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao. We had a constructive and forward-looking exchange of views on issues about bilateral relations. Expressed my happiness at the restarting of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a gap of nearly six years. It is incumbent on both sides to maintain this positive momentum and avoid adding new complexities in the bilateral relationship."

As a gesture of cultural diplomacy, Singh presented a Madhubani painting from Bihar to the Chinese Defence Minister. Originating in the Mithila region, Madhubani or Mithila art is known for its vibrant colors, intricate lines, and distinctive folk motifs. These paintings often depict mythology, nature, and daily life using bright, earthy tones.

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