Rajnath Singh Meets Chinese Defence Minister, Calls for De-escalation

In a significant development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. The two leaders discussed the recent troop disengagement in Ladakh, emphasising the need for de-escalation and confidence-building measures to restore peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Singh highlighted that border issues are integral to the broader bilateral relationship and urged both nations to reflect on lessons from the 2020 border clashes. He stressed the importance of preventing future incidents and safeguarding regional stability.

The recent disengagement from Depsang and Demchok—two key flashpoints—marked a step forward in resolving the three-year standoff. Both sides pulled back troops and dismantled temporary structures, resuming patrols in these areas. However, Singh underlined that de-escalation and eventual de-induction of troops are necessary for lasting peace.

“Amicable relations between India and China will significantly contribute to global peace and prosperity,” Singh noted, urging the two major economies to prioritise cooperation over conflict.

This meeting followed a similar call for resolution during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed to reactivate mechanisms for boundary resolution.

As India and China work toward rebuilding trust, Singh’s visit underscores the importance of diplomacy in addressing long-standing tensions and fostering mutual growth.