India’s Defence Minister met with China’s Defence Minister during the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Positive India-China relations can enhance global peace and prosperity; we must prioritize cooperation over conflict, stated Mr. Rajnath Singh.
New Delhi, India, November 20, 2024 — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with China’s Defence Minister, Admiral Dong Jun, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on November 20, 2024. This meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and marked the first discussion between the two ministers following recent disengagement agreements. It also followed the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that friendly relations between India and China, the two largest nations in the world, would positively impact global peace and prosperity. Acknowledging that both countries are, and will continue to be, neighbors, he stated, “We need to focus on cooperation rather than conflict.”
Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of reflecting on the lessons learned from the unfortunate border clashes of 2020. He stressed the need to implement measures to prevent such incidents and ensure peace and tranquility along the India-China border. Singh expressed hope for greater trust and confidence-building between both sides through de-escalation. Both parties agreed to collaborate on developing a roadmap aimed at rebuilding mutual trust and understanding.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Vientiane for a three-day visit. On November 21, 2024, he will attend the 11th ADMM-Plus and address the forum on regional and international security issues.
Source: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
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