Last Update: April 27, 2023, 20:01 IST
Rajnath Singh in meeting with Chinese Li Shangfu in New Delhi. (Image: Twitter/@rajnathsingh)
Rajnath Singh also reiterated that ‘violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral ties and the retreat on the border will be logically de-escalated’
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday held talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu and discussed developments in the India-China border areas as well as bilateral relations.
The talks took place hours after Li arrived in New Delhi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense ministers’ meeting hosted by India.
According to an official statement, the two ministers had a frank discussion about the developments in the India-China border areas as well as bilateral relations.
“Singh clearly pointed out that the development of relations between India and China is based on the spread of peace and tranquility along the borders. He said that all issues along the LAC need to be resolved as per the existing bilateral agreements and commitments.
Singh also reiterated that “violations of existing agreements have destroyed the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border would logically be followed with de-escalation”.
Li’s visit to the country is the first by a Chinese defense minister since the 2020 eastern Ladakh border standoff. The meeting between Singh and Li comes after the Indian and Chinese armies held 18th round of military talks At the end of the border line.
In the Corps Commander-level talks held on April 23, the two sides agreed to remain in close touch and find a mutually acceptable solution to the outstanding issues in eastern Ladakh at the earliest. In the previous round of talks as well, the two sides continued to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic means.
However, there was no sign of any clear forward progress in ending the row.
India says that until there is peace in the border areas, its relations with China cannot be normal.
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is also scheduled to visit India next week to attend a conference of foreign ministers of SCO member states in Goa. The meeting is to be held on May 4 and 5.
On Thursday, Singh also held separate bilateral talks with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Iran and Tajikistan.
India is hosting the SCO Defense Ministers’ meeting under the chairmanship of the grouping.
Defense ministers of China, Russia and other SCO member states, except Pakistan, are attending the meeting in Delhi.
Officials said that Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif will participate in the meeting through virtual medium.
(With PTI inputs)
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