India Proposes 4-Point Plan to China to Ease Border Tensions, Improve Ties
In a significant diplomatic move aimed at managing border tensions and restoring stable relations, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presented a four-point proposal to his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Summit in Qingdao, China.
Sources told India Today TV that Singh’s proposal focused on building upon the recent 2024 disengagement plan and included specific steps to ensure sustained peace and diplomatic momentum between the two nations. The four-point formula included:
- Strict adherence to the 2024 disengagement plan,
- Continued efforts toward de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC),
- Accelerated efforts to complete demarcation and delimitation of the border, and
- Effective use of the existing special representative-level mechanism to create new frameworks for managing differences and enhancing diplomatic engagement.
Singh emphasized that both nations must continue constructive dialogue and not introduce any new complexities to an already delicate bilateral relationship. During the meeting, he also raised the issue of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, noting that Operation Sindoor—India’s response to terror threats—reflects the country’s principled stance.
After the meeting, Singh shared a picture on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Held talks with Admiral Dong Jun, the Defence Minister of China, on the sidelines of SCO Defence Ministers’ 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 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a gap of nearly six years. It is incumbent on both sides to maintain this positive momentum and avoid adding new complexities to the bilateral relationship.”
As a gesture of goodwill, Singh presented Admiral Dong Jun with a Madhubani painting from Bihar, a traditional Indian folk art known for its intricate line work and vibrant colors.
According to a Chinese readout of the meeting, India expressed that it is not seeking confrontation with China and wants to enhance communication and mutual trust. New Delhi has yet to issue an official readout.
This meeting came at a sensitive time—just days after India and China reportedly reached a disengagement agreement in the Depsang and Demchok areas of Eastern Ladakh. It also marked the first formal high-level interaction since the military standoff began in May 2020 and the de-escalation steps taken earlier this year.
The discussions also followed Singh’s decision to decline signing the SCO joint statement, which omitted any reference to terrorism—particularly the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. Instead, the document reportedly made veiled references to Balochistan, aligning with Chinese and Pakistani narratives.
With the geopolitical spotlight once again on India-China relations, Singh’s outreach represents a cautious yet optimistic attempt to maintain peace at the border and reinvigorate diplomatic dialogue—aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remark that India-China relations are essential for “global peace, stability, and progress.”
IT.
