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Key Points

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Chinese counterpart Don Jun at the SCO summit, emphasizing the need to maintain positive bilateral momentum. The meeting saw discussions on resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and avoiding new complexities in ties. India declined to endorse the SCO joint declaration due to terrorism concerns being excluded. Singh also highlighted the Pahalgam terror attack, urging SCO nations to reject double standards on terrorism.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh Meets China Defence Minister Don Jun at SCO Summit

  • Rajnath Singh meets Chinese counterpart Don Jun at SCO
  • Talks focus on bilateral ties and avoiding tensions
  • India refuses SCO joint declaration over terrorism concerns
  • Singh highlights Pahalgam terror attack in SCO address
2 min read

Rajnath Singh meets Chinese Defence Minister, says incumbent on both sides to maintain positive momentum

Rajnath Singh discusses bilateral ties with China's Don Jun, stresses positive momentum and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumption at SCO meet.

"It is incumbent on both sides to maintain positive momentum and avoid adding new complexities in bilateral relations. – Rajnath Singh"

New Delhi, June 27

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Don Jun, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers meeting in China’s Qingdao.

Sharing details about the meeting, Singh posted on his X handle that it is incumbent on the two nations to maintain positive momentum and avoid adding new complexities in bilateral ties.

He said that he and General Don Jun had "constructive and forward-looking exchange of views" on issues related to bilateral ties.

The Defence Minister expressed happiness at the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

“Held talks with Admiral Don Jun, the Defence Minister of China, on the sidelines of SCO Defence Minitsers’ 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,” wrote Singh on X handle.

A Chinese readout of the meeting stated that India does not seek confrontation with China, but rather aims to enhance communication and mutual trust.

On Thursday, India refused to endorse the joint declaration at the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting, citing the exclusion of concerns around terrorism as a key reason.

India stated that it wanted concerns about terrorism reflected in the document, which was not acceptable to one particular country; therefore, the statement was not adopted.

"I understand that they (Defence Ministers) could not adopt a joint statement. I also understand that certain member countries could not reach consensus on certain issues, and hence the document could not be finalised. On our side, India wanted concerns on terrorism reflected in the document, which was not acceptable to one particular country and therefore the statement was not adopted," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a weekly media briefing on Thursday.

During his address to the SCO gathering, Defence Minister Singh referred to the heinous April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, including a Nepali national, saying that India exercised its right to self-defence through Operation Sindoor to dismantle cross-border terror infrastructure. He also urged the SCO nations to reject double standards and hold terror sponsors accountable.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K.
Good to see diplomatic engagement continuing despite border tensions. But actions speak louder than words - China must stop its expansionist policies in Ladakh. The Mansarovar Yatra resumption is a positive step though 🙏
P
Priya M.
Proud of India standing firm on terrorism at SCO! Why should we compromise on national security? China's reluctance to address terrorism clearly shows their double standards. Operation Sindoor was absolutely justified.
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Rahul S.
The Chinese readout seems misleading - India doesn't seek confrontation but will defend its borders fiercely. Hope this meeting leads to actual de-escalation at LAC. Jai Hind!
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Neha T.
While dialogue is important, we must not forget China's track record. Their infrastructure buildup near borders continues. India should focus on strengthening military preparedness while keeping diplomatic channels open.
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Vikram J.
The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage reopening is great news for devotees! But China often uses such cultural exchanges as bargaining chips. We should welcome the move but remain cautious about their larger intentions.
S
Sunita P.
Respect to Rajnath Singh for speaking about Pahalgam attack at SCO platform. Terrorism affects all nations - China should stop protecting Pakistan at international forums if they truly want better relations with India.

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