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In an important meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for a structured and permanent roadmap to resolve the long-standing Indo-China border dispute.
Singh underlined the urgent need to maintain peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), reiterating India’s position that trust-building measures and de-escalation must translate into tangible outcomes on the ground.
The bilateral talks — held in Qingdao, China — marked the first high-level defence engagement between the two countries in 2025. Singh pressed for the rejuvenation of existing mechanisms for border demarcation, stating that a final resolution must go beyond temporary disengagement and aim for long-term stability.
He highlighted the importance of restoring trust after the 2020 Galwan standoff, which significantly strained bilateral relations.
“Creating good neighbourly conditions is not just a bilateral imperative but a regional necessity,” Singh said, adding that stability between India and China is vital for broader Asian and global peace.
While both sides agreed to continue dialogue through established diplomatic and military channels, there was no joint declaration issued at the end of the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting. This was a rare outcome suggesting underlying divergences among member nations, particularly on issues such as regional security and counterterrorism.
Russian Meeting
On the sidelines of the summit, Singh also met with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov. Discussions focused on bolstering defence ties amid emerging geopolitical challenges. Key outcomes from the meeting included the fast-tracked supply of S-400 air defence systems, upgrades to Su-30 MKI fighter jets, and expedited procurement of other critical military hardware. These developments come in the wake of India’s domestic defence readiness efforts and its counterterror operations under Operation Sindoor.
The Russian minister reaffirmed Moscow’s long-standing support and expressed condolences over the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
Bilateral Talks with Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan
Singh also held separate meetings with defence ministers from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. Discussions revolved around strengthening defence-technical cooperation, advancing joint training programs, and expanding collaboration in military education. Singh spotlighted India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities and its strides toward self-reliance, inviting deeper partnerships in areas of mutual interest.
All counterparts were also briefed on the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s security response, underscoring New Delhi’s call for global solidarity against terrorism.
75 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Singh also noted the milestone of 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and China, welcoming positive steps such as the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a five-year hiatus. However, he cautioned that goodwill gestures must be accompanied by credible action on the ground to repair bilateral trust.
