Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said both India and China have been involved in talks at diplomatic and military levels to resolve the ongoing border dispute in Ladakh since 2020-21
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India and China have achieved a broad consensus on patrolling and grazing to traditional areas in a step towards resolving differences along the Line of Actual Control.
Singh said both the countries have been involved in talks at diplomatic and military levels to resolve the ongoing border dispute in Ladakh since 2020-21. Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024, he described the pact reached between the two countries as a “significant development” that underscores the importance of defence dialogue on the global stage.
“India and China have been involved in talks both at diplomatic and military levels to resolve their differences in certain areas along the LAC. Pursuant to the talks, broad consensus has been achieved to restore ground situation based on the principles of equal and mutual security,” he said.
#WATCH | Delhi: Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024, Union Defence Minister says, “India and China have been involved in talks both at the diplomatic and military levels to resolve their differences in certain areas along the LAC. A broad consensus has been achieved to… pic.twitter.com/c38cHjqCDD
— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2024
He added: “The consensus achieved includes patrolling and grazing to traditional areas. This is the power of engaging in continuous dialogue because sooner or later, solutions will emerge.”
On Wednesday (October 23), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping endorsed the India-China agreement on patrolling and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh on the margins of the BRICS Summit in Russia. They also issued directions to revive various bilateral dialogue mechanisms, signalling attempts to normalise ties that were hit by the military clash at Galwan.
‘Journey towards self-reliance not step towards alienation’
Singh, who spoke about national security and India’s focus on self-reliance in the defence sector, assured delegates at the event that India is committed to promoting a “fair and just international system”.
He further said while security is often associated with border protection, it was beyond defence and involved policy analysis to further strengthen the overall security. “Security is often associated with border protection. When we think of security, images of soldiers stationed at borders, aircraft patrolling the skies, and naval ships guarding the seas typically come to mind. However, as you all know, security extends far beyond border defence,” he added.
Underscoring the importance of assessing policies and challenges within the security system, the defence minister said constant analysis helps identify shortcomings and provides newer perspectives on issues. “In terms of national security, it is essential to regularly assess policies and challenges. Timely analysis helps us identify shortcomings and provides new perspectives on various issues. Today’s defence dialogue will undoubtedly offer us such an analysis, allowing us to further strengthen our security system,” he said.
Addressing the representatives from the friendly countries, he also said self-reliance does not mean India is moving towards alienation from the global community but it was, in fact, a “new chapter” in further collaboration and partnership.
“Today, we have representatives from numerous friendly nations present here, and I want to assure you that India is committed to collaborating closely with all nations to promote a fair and just international system. Our journey toward self-reliance is not a step toward alienation. Rather, it marks the beginning of a new chapter characterised by collaboration and partnership with the global community,” he added.