India seeks lasting solution to boundary dispute with China
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun, has stressed the need for the two countries to have a “permanent solution” for border demarcation.
He also favoured a roadmap for permanent de-escalation from near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The two ministers met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, on Thursday evening.
The duo held in-depth discussions on the need for maintaining peace and tranquillity along the India-China border, the Defence Ministry said on Friday.
At the meeting, Rajnath stressed on “border management and (the need) for having a permanent solution for border demarcation by rejuvenating the established mechanism on the issue”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in September 2014, proposed resumption of the stalled process for settling the LAC issue. Chinese leaders have also made similar proposals.
Rajnath highlighted the need for solving “complex issues” at the LAC. “We need to have a structured roadmap for permanent engagement and de-escalation,” the minister said.
Rajnath referred to the April 2020 military stand-off along the LAC in eastern Ladakh and called for bridging the trust deficit created after it by taking action on the ground.
The two ministers acknowledged the work being undertaken by both sides to move towards normalcy in bilateral relations.
Rajnath emphasised the need for creating “good neighbourly conditions to achieve best mutual benefits” as well as to cooperate for stability in Asia and the world.
The Defence Ministry said, “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 appreciated the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar yatra after a gap of five years. He also briefed his counterpart on the heinous terrorist attack carried out against innocent civilians in Pahalgam on April 22 and India’s Operation Sindoor aimed at dismantling the terrorist networks in Pakistan.
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