Did Rajnath Singh Just Meet the Chinese Defence Minister?
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Synopsis
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's meeting with Admiral Don Jun emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive trajectory in India-China relations. With discussions on terrorism and bilateral ties, Singh's views shed light on the intricate dynamics of these two nations. What does this mean for future diplomatic interactions?
Key Takeaways
- Importance of maintaining positive relations
- Constructive dialogue on bilateral ties
- Resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
- Concerns about terrorism must be addressed
- Need for accountability among terror sponsors
New Delhi, June 27 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Don Jun, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers meeting held in Qingdao, China.
In a post on his X handle, Singh emphasized the need for both nations to sustain a positive momentum and refrain from introducing new complexities into their bilateral relationship.
He mentioned that he and General Don Jun had a constructive and forward-looking exchange of views regarding their diplomatic ties.
The Defence Minister expressed his joy over the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
“I had discussions with Admiral Don Jun, the Defence Minister of China, during the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao. We engaged in a constructive and forward-looking dialogue on matters concerning our bilateral relations. I expressed my happiness about the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after nearly six years. It is crucial for both sides to uphold this positive momentum and avert the introduction of new complexities in our relationship,” Singh stated on his X handle.
A Chinese account of the meeting indicated that India is not seeking confrontation with China but aims to enhance communication and mutual trust.
On Thursday, India did not endorse the joint declaration at the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting due to the exclusion of terrorism-related concerns.
India insisted that its concerns regarding terrorism be included in the statement, which was not acceptable to one specific country, leading to the document's failure to be adopted.
“I acknowledge that the Defence Ministers could not reach a consensus on the joint statement, and thus the document was not finalized. From our perspective, India sought to have its terrorism-related concerns reflected in the document, which was not acceptable to one particular nation, resulting in the statement's failure to be adopted,” stated Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing on Thursday.
In his address at the SCO gathering, Defence Minister Singh referred to the tragic April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepali national, asserting that India exercised its right to self-defense through Operation Sindoor to dismantle cross-border terrorist infrastructure. He also urged the SCO nations to reject double standards and hold those who sponsor terrorism accountable.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of open dialogue between India and China. The recent meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Admiral Don Jun highlights the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels and addressing pressing concerns like terrorism. While challenges persist, collaborative efforts will be essential for fostering a stable and constructive bilateral relationship.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main focus of the meeting between Rajnath Singh and Admiral Don Jun?
The primary focus was on maintaining a positive momentum in India-China relations and discussing bilateral ties, including concerns about terrorism.
Why did India refuse to endorse the joint declaration at the SCO meeting?
India declined to endorse the joint declaration due to the exclusion of concerns related to terrorism, which was not acceptable to one member country.
