Rajnath Singh holds talks with Chinese counterpart amid efforts to reset ties

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on Tuesday, with both sides focusing on maintaining peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and discussing wider regional security concerns.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ conclave in Bishkek, at a time when India and China are working to stabilise relations after years of tension.

According to a press release by defence ministry, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and global security landscape, including the ongoing crisis in West Asia. They also emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border areas.

Efforts to reset ties

India-China relations had deteriorated sharply after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. However, both countries have taken steps in recent months to improve ties through sustained diplomatic and military engagement.

More from India

Following multiple rounds of talks, disengagement has been achieved at several friction points in eastern Ladakh.

In October 2024, both sides finalised agreements for disengagement at Depsang and Demchok, the last remaining areas of concern.

Subsequently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan and agreed on measures to improve bilateral relations.

Defence cooperation with Russia

On the sidelines of the SCO meeting, Singh also met Russian defence minister Andrei Belousov. According to some reports, discussions focused on ongoing defence cooperation, including Russia’s supply of S-400 air defence systems to India.

India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 units, of which three have already been delivered. The fourth system is expected soon, while the fifth is likely to be delivered later this year.

India has also approved the procurement of five additional systems, taking the total planned fleet to ten.

Wider engagements at SCO

Singh also held talks with Belarus Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin, focusing on strengthening defence cooperation, including capacity building and training. He described the interaction as productive and highlighted India’s intent to deepen ties with Belarus.

In addition, the defence minister met his counterparts from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to explore ways to expand bilateral defence cooperation.

Singh arrived in Bishkek on Monday to attend the SCO Defence Ministers’ conclave, where India engaged with key regional partners on security and strategic issues.