Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, in Vientiane, Laos on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). Talks were on issues that had led to border tensions in Ladakh and recent disengagement of both forces from Depsang and Demchok.
Road To De-escalation and Trust
Singh underscored the need for de-escalation to achieve mutual trust and stability in the area. He explained that the latest disengagement was a good development, as it could lead to more de-escalation in the Ladakh region, which would eventually build greater confidence between the two countries.
In a post-meeting statement on X (formerly Twitter), Singh described the talks as “extremely productive,” adding that both sides had agreed to collaborate on a roadmap to rebuild mutual trust and understanding. He also stressed that addressing border issues is integral to the overall relationship between India and China.
Reflecting on Lessons from the 2020 Clashes
One of the main points raised by Singh was to learn from the tragic border clashes of 2020, when tensions had dramatically deteriorated in bilateral ties. He asked measures for an incident to not occur again and underlined the need to protect peace and tranquillity along the India-China border. In a message, Singh expressed hope that both nations could find common ground over the issue, so it may not become a bone of contention in the future.
Wider Bilateral Relations
During the meeting, Singh reiterated that border issues could not be severed from the broader context of India-China relations. Both nations, he noted, are significant players on the global stage and their cooperation essential to regional as well as international stability.
Effect on Global Peace
According to him, peaceful relations between these two most populous nations would only have a postive influence on the world’s peace and prosperity. Furthermore, he claimed that rather than focusing on conflict, cooperation would benefit India, China, and the international community worldwide.
Economic Role of India and China
India and China, major engines of world growth, are extremely crucial for the stabilizing of the world economy. Singh was very sorry that the conflict along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) had wasted four precious years of both the countries. He said that the root causes of the conflict must be addressed so that similar issues do not arise in the future.
Disengagement and Future Steps
The recent pullback of troops from Depsang and Demchok, which happened mid-October, has thus far been the most important step taken in de-escalation, but it was not rewarded with the establishment of buffer zones, unlike previous pullbacks in areas such as the Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, or Hot Springs. Thus, in absence of buffer zones, more talks and de-escalation measures are on the cards for true peace.
Hope for Long-Run Peace
Even with the current situation, Singh said he is hopeful that both nations will strive for the restoration of peace and calmness in the region. He reiterated that as neighbors, India and China have an equal responsibility in promoting stability in the region, with both sides contributing similarly to the balance of the world.
Conclusion: The Future Path
Singh in his comments at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting is further continuing to repair relationships with China and achieve stability in the Ladakh sector. There would be further discussion, and the immediate goal would be the prevention of further face-offs and resultant peace on the India-China border.
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