(The New Indian Express)
Defence Minister Rajanth Singh brought in the issue of the prevalent trust deficit generated post the 2020 standoff in Eastern Ladakh during his bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, calling for “bridging”.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China on June 26, 2025.
While Rajnath acknowledged the work being undertaken by both sides to bring back semblance of normalcy in the bilateral relations, he also “called for bridging the trust deficit created after the 2020 Border standoff, by taking action on ground.”
The two Ministers held in-depth discussions on the need to maintain peace and tranquility along the 3,488 km Indo-China border, also referred to as the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
He highlighted the necessity of solving the complex issues through a structured roadmap of permanent engagement and de-escalation.
The two Ministers agreed to continue consultations at various levels to achieve progress on issues related to disengagement, de-escalation, border management and eventual de-limitation through existing mechanisms.
Rajnath Singh also stressed on border management and to have a permanent solution of border demarcation by rejuvenating the established mechanism on the issue. He emphasised the need to create good neighbourly conditions to achieve best mutual benefits as well as to cooperate for stability in Asia and the world.
The Defence Minister highlighted the important milestone of reaching 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He also appreciated the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar yatra after a gap of five years.
Rajnath Singh also briefed his counterpart on the heinous terrorist attack carried out against innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir on April 22, 2025, and India’s Operation Sindoor aimed at dismantling the terrorist networks in Pakistan.
