Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that the disengagement process in LAC (Line of Actual Control) in eastern Ladakh is nearly complete. Speaking at the inauguration of the Bob Khathing Museum in Tezpur, Assam, Singh outlined the steps taken in the long-standing standoff, which erupted in 2020 due to Chinese military actions. His remarks highlighted ongoing discussions between India and China at both diplomatic and military levels, with recent negotiations yielding a consensus on restoring the pre-existing ground situation based on principles of equal and mutual security.
“At some areas along the LAC, discussions have been ongoing between India and China at both diplomatic and military levels to resolve conflicts. Following recent talks, there has been a broad consensus to restore the ground situation. This consensus has developed on the basis of equal and mutual security. The agreement includes rights related to patrolling and grazing in traditional areas. Based on this consensus, the disengagement process is nearly complete. We will strive to move beyond just disengagement, but for that, we will need to wait a little longer.”
This progress follows confirmation from both India and China that an agreement has been reached regarding patrolling arrangements in the border areas. The protracted standoff has strained relations between the two nations, underscoring the importance of diplomatic dialogue.
Adding a new dimension to the peace-building efforts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently met on the sidelines of an international summit. Their meeting marked the first formal interaction in five years, reaffirming the importance of bilateral ties for both nations, as well as for regional and global stability. Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong echoed this sentiment, expressing hope for smoother relations free from disruptions caused by specific disagreements.
During the event in Tezpur, Singh also commemorated the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, unveiling a statue of India’s first Home Minister. He praised Patel as a visionary leader whose dedication to India’s unity continues to inspire the country. Reflecting on India’s diversity, Singh said, “Whenever India’s name is taken in the world, they also say ‘Unity in Diversity’…there are many languages, cultures, and religions present in this country. The kind of unity we get to see in India is amazing. Our efforts should be to maintain this speciality.”
“Whenever India’s name is taken in the world, they also say ‘Unity in Diversity’…there are many languages, cultures and religions present in this country. The kind of unity we get to see in India is amazing. Our efforts should be to maintain this speciality. Our government, under the leadership of PM Modi, has given special focus on economic and infrastructural development of the northeast,” the Defence minister added.
(ANI)
