Need to have permanent solution for border demarcation: Rajnath to China

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun, has stressed on the need for the two countries to have a 'permanent solution' of border demarcation. He has suggested a roadmap for permanent de-escalation of troops from along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The two ministers had met on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, on Thursday evening.

The two ministers held in-depth discussions on the need to maintain peace and tranquility along the India-China border, the Ministry of Defence said on Friday.

At the meeting, Rajnath Singh stressed on "border management and (on the need) to have a permanent solution of border demarcation by rejuvenating the established mechanism on the issue."

Rajnath Singh highlighted the necessity of solving the complex issues at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “Have a structured roadmap of permanent engagement and de-escalation," the minister added.

Rajnath Singh referred to the April 2020 military stand-off along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh and called for bridging the trust deficit created after 2020 border standoff, by taking action on ground.

The two ministers acknowledged the work being undertaken by both sides to bring back semblance of normalcy in the bilateral relations. Rajnath Singh emphasised the need to create good neighbourly conditions to achieve best mutual benefits as well as to cooperate for stability in Asia and the world.

The MoD said, "The two ministers agreed to continue consultations at various levels to achieve progress on issues related to disengagement, de-escalation, border management and eventual de-limitation through existing mechanisms."

Rajnath Singh appreciated the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar yatra after a gap of five years. He also briefed his counterpart on the heinous terrorist attack carried out against innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, and India’s Operation Sindoor aimed at dismantling the terrorist networks in Pakistan.