India-China Defence Ministers Meet at SCO to Address Border Tensions
In a notable advancement towards alleviating long-standing border tensions, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a bilateral meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ conference and concentrated on strategies to maintain peace at the disputed India-China border, which remains tense following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
Minister Singh stressed the necessity for a structured and timely approach to resolving border disputes. He called for the revival of established military and diplomatic mechanisms to ensure de-escalation, transparency, and long-term stability. Emphasizing the importance of finalizing border demarcation, Singh reaffirmed India’s dedication to resolving issues through peaceful dialogue.
Admiral Dong Jun, who took office as China’s Defence Minister in December 2023 and is recognized for his naval expertise, engaged in detailed discussions. His involvement represents China’s evolving military diplomacy, with analysts suggesting that his approach might influence future negotiations on land-based conflicts. Strategic experts have connected Beijing’s assertive stance to wider geopolitical ambitions, making these talks crucial for regional security.
Both ministers agreed to maintain communication across all levels—military, diplomatic, and political—to address unresolved friction points and work towards disengagement and de-escalation. In a symbolic move, Singh presented Dong with a Madhubani painting entitled "Tree of Life," reflecting India’s aim to promote cultural diplomacy amid complex negotiations.
The meeting coincided with India’s firm position at the SCO forum, where Singh refused to endorse a joint statement due to ambiguous wording on terrorism, perceived as an indirect protest against Pakistan’s involvement.
Observers view the renewed talks with cautious optimism. Although diplomatic efforts have resumed, defense analysts emphasize that enduring peace will rely on concrete, verifiable agreements that guarantee mutual compliance and prevent future conflicts along the Line of Actual Control.
