New Delhi: Rajnath Singh held key discussions with Dong Jun on maintaining stability along the Line of Actual Control and addressing broader regional security challenges during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Defence Ministers’ meeting.
The interaction comes at a time when India and China are working to improve ties following tensions in recent years. Both sides exchanged views on the evolving global and regional security environment, including developments in West Asia, while emphasising the importance of peace in border areas.
Relations between the two countries had come under strain after the Galwan Valley clash. Since then, sustained diplomatic and military dialogue has led to disengagement at several friction points in eastern Ladakh, including agreements covering areas such as Depsang and Demchok.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Singh also held discussions with Andrei Belousov, focusing on ongoing defence cooperation, including the supply of the S-400 missile system. India had earlier signed a major deal with Russia for multiple units of the system, with further deliveries expected soon.
In addition, the Defence Minister met Viktor Khrenin to discuss expanding bilateral defence collaboration, particularly in training and capacity building. Separate engagements were also held with counterparts from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to strengthen existing partnerships.
The series of meetings underscores India’s focus on enhancing defence cooperation while maintaining stability in sensitive regions. The discussions also reflect a broader effort to address emerging geopolitical challenges through dialogue and strategic coordination at multilateral forums.
