Key Points

Rajnath Singh gifted a vibrant Madhubani painting to China's Defence Minister Don Jun during the SCO meeting in Qingdao. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Singh emphasized maintaining positive momentum while avoiding new complexities in India-China relations. The meeting follows NSA Ajit Doval's discussions with Chinese officials on regional security and cooperation.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh Gifts Madhubani Painting to China's Don Jun at SCO Meet

  • Rajnath Singh gifts traditional Madhubani painting from Bihar
  • Talks focus on resuming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
  • Both sides agree to avoid new complexities in ties
  • SCO meeting highlights India-China diplomatic engagement
3 min read

Rajnath Singh gifts Madhubani painting from Bihar to Chinese counterpart Don Jun

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presents Bihar's Madhubani art to Chinese counterpart Don Jun, discusses bilateral ties at SCO meeting in Qingdao.

"We had a constructive and forward-looking exchange of views on issues pertaining to bilateral relations. – Rajnath Singh"

Qingdao, June 27

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presented a Madhubani painting from Bihar to his Chinese counterpart General Don Jun during their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers Meeting in China's Qingdao.

This painting has its origins in the Mithila region of Bihar. It is also known as Mithila or Madhubani art. It is characterised by line drawings filled in with bright colours and contrasts or patterns. These paintings are popular because of their tribal motifs and use of bright, earthy colours.

Earlier, Rajnath Singh said that he and General Don Jun had "constructive and forward-looking exchange of views" on issues related to bilateral ties. Rajnath Singh expressed happiness on the resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

He further emphasised that it is incumbent on the two nations to maintain this positive momentum and avoid adding new complexities in bilateral ties.

In a post on X, Singh stated, "Held talks with Admiral Don Jun, the Defence Minister of China, on the sidelines of SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao. We had a constructive and forward looking exchange of views on issues pertaining to bilateral relations. Expressed my happiness on restarting of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a gap of nearly six years. It is incumbent on both the sides to maintain this positive momentum and avoid adding new complexities in the bilateral relationship."

Singh arrived in China on Thursday for the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by Admiral Dong Jun. Singh, Don Jun and other leaders, also posed for a group photograph ahead of the Defence Ministers' meeting.

On June 24, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met China's Vice-President Han Zheng along with other Heads of Delegation attending the 20th Meeting of the SCO Security Council Secretaries.

"On 24 June, NSA Ajit Doval called on Han Zheng, Vice-President of China along with other Heads of Delegation attending the 20th Meeting of the SCO Security Council Secretaries at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing," India's Embassy in Beijing said in a post on X.

On June 23, NSA Doval held a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing and reviewed recent developments in India-China relations and underscored the need to promote the overall development of the bilateral ties, including by fostering greater people-to-people ties.

During the meeting, NSA Doval emphasised the need to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations to maintain peace and stability in the region. The two leaders also spoke about other bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, according to the statement shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

In a statement shared on X, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "NSA Ajit Doval met Chinese FM Wang Yi in Beijing today. Discussions focused on bilateral, regional & international issues of mutual interest."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
What a beautiful gesture! Madhubani art represents our rich cultural heritage. Hope such cultural exchanges help improve India-China relations. But we must remain cautious - gifts shouldn't distract from border issues. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
R
Rahul S.
While cultural diplomacy is good, China needs to show sincerity on ground level. Our soldiers face aggression at borders daily. Talks are fine but actions matter more. Hope Rajnath Singh ji raised Galwan issue strongly.
A
Ananya M.
As someone from Bihar, I'm proud to see our Madhubani art being gifted internationally! 👏 But I wish media would focus more on the actual discussions rather than just the gift exchange. The Mansarovar Yatra resumption is big news for devotees!
V
Vikram J.
China has never been trustworthy neighbor. Remember 1962. While diplomacy is necessary, we must keep strengthening our military at borders. Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense is the way forward. No more dependence on anyone!
S
Sunita P.
The painting is beautiful but I'm more interested in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra news! My parents have been waiting for years to make this pilgrimage. Hope the route remains open without any issues this time.
K
Karan D.
Cultural exchanges are fine, but when will China stop its expansionist policies? They're building villages in Arunachal! Our government should be more assertive in these meetings. Enough of 'positive momentum' talks - show us results!

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