Delhi: Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu in New Delhi today as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Defense Ministers’ Meeting. During the meeting, the two leaders openly discussed the India-China border issue and the development of bilateral relations.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Defense regarding Minister Rajnath Singh’s speech at the meeting, “India-China relations can be improved only by sowing seeds of peace and tranquility on the border. All issues related to the Line of Control must be resolved in accordance with the existing bilateral agreement and position. Violation can damage bilateral relations Violation of existing agreements erodes the entire basis of bilateral relations.
Military cooperation between the two countries can progress only if peace and tranquility are established along the border. By doing so, he mentioned during the talks that tension on the border could be eased,” it said.
Iran Ministerial Meeting: Earlier, Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ghare Ashtiani met Rajnath Singh. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed India-Iran’s ancient culture, civilization, language-based ties and friendship between the two peoples.
Likewise, the two leaders exchanged their views on the current situation in Afghanistan, peace initiatives there, border security issues and discussed ways to improve bilateral security cooperation.
Kazakhstan and Tajikistan: Rajnath Singh also held separate meetings with Kazakhstan’s Defense Minister Col. Gen. Raslan Sasailaikov and Tajikistan’s Defense Minister Col. Gen. Sherali Mirzo. During these meetings, security cooperation between the two countries and expansion of mutually beneficial partnership were discussed, according to the central government.
A meeting of the defense ministers of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will be held tomorrow. Ministers from member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have come to India to participate in the meeting, which is being led by India.
The visit of the Chinese Defense Minister to India is more important than the visit of other countries. Because it is noteworthy that after the Galwan Valley conflict in April 2020, the Defense Minister, who is known as the top leader of the Chinese Army, has come to India.
