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Rajnath Singh-China Defence Talks
Bishkek: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Defence Ministers' Meeting in Bishkek. The discussions focused on maintaining peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and addressing wider regional security concerns.
Both sides exchanged views on the evolving global security environment, including the ongoing crisis in West Asia. According to official inputs, the ministers highlighted the importance of avoiding tensions along the border and ensuring peace in sensitive areas along the India -China frontier.
The meeting comes at a time when New Delhi and Beijing are gradually working towards restoring strained ties after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. Since then, multiple rounds of diplomatic and military talks have helped reduce tensions at several friction points.
In recent months, both countries have taken steps to stabilise the situation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Troop disengagement has been completed in multiple areas, including Depsang and Demchok, following agreements reached in late 2024. These developments have been seen as part of broader efforts to rebuild trust between the two neighbours.
The renewed engagement between India and China has also been reflected in top-level political meetings. Leaders from both countries have previously discussed ways to improve relations based on mutual respect and sensitivity, including interactions on the sidelines of multilateral forums.
During the SCO visit, Rajnath Singh also met Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, discussing ongoing defence projects, including the supply of S-400 air defence systems. India has already received multiple units under its $5 billion agreement with Russia, with further deliveries expected soon.
Separately, Singh held talks with defence ministers from Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, training, capacity building, and expanding strategic partnerships.
India’s participation in the SCO Defence Ministers’ meet reflects its continued focus on regional security cooperation while balancing relationships with multiple global partners. The discussions in Bishkek underline India’s multi-alignment approach in defence and diplomacy.
