In a notable diplomatic development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held “constructive and forward-looking” bilateral talks with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Don Jun during the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China.
Singh highlighted the importance of keeping bilateral ties on a positive track and avoiding new complexities. He also welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which had been suspended for nearly six years.
“It is incumbent on both sides to maintain this positive momentum,” Rajnath Singh shared in a post on X.
Held talks with Admiral Don Jun, the Defence Minister of China, on the sidelines of SCO Defence Minitsers’ Meeting in Qingdao. We had a constructive and forward looking exchange of views on issues pertaining to bilateral relations.
Expressed my happiness on restarting of the… pic.twitter.com/dHj1OuHKzE
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 27, 2025
A Step Forward in India-China Ties?
This meeting marks a fresh attempt to ease tensions between the two Asian powers amid a strained border situation. Singh’s visit follows National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing just days earlier.
Doval and Wang reviewed the current state of India-China relations, with both sides underlining the importance of promoting people-to-people ties and maintaining regional stability.
The discussions also focused on counterterrorism efforts, regional developments, and fostering stronger bilateral cooperation.
Key Highlights from Qingdao:
- First high-level India-China defence meeting since recent tensions
- Talks centred around border management and bilateral cooperation
- Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes after nearly six years
- Leaders posed for a group photograph at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting
- India stressed the need to avoid further complicating ties
This series of high-level engagements between Indian and Chinese officials signals a diplomatic push for de-escalation and long-term cooperation. Whether these talks will yield tangible progress remains to be seen, but they mark a positive shift in tone and intent.
