India, China Must Not Add ‘New Complexities’ to Bilateral Ties, Says Rajnath Singh After Meeting Chinese Defence Minister

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged China to preserve the positive momentum in bilateral relations and refrain from introducing fresh tensions. Speaking after his talks with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meeting, Singh called the dialogue "constructive and forward-looking."

Image Source: RM Rajnath Singh on X

Singh emphasised the need for mutual restraint and sustained diplomacy, stating, “It is incumbent on both sides to avoid adding new complexities to the bilateral relationship.”

This marks the latest engagement between India and China as ties gradually stabilise after years of border tension. 

Notably, 2024 saw the final phases of disengagement between Indian and Chinese troops in the Depsang and Demchok sectors of eastern Ladakh—an area long fraught with friction since the deadly Galwan clash of 2020.

The meeting also coincided with India’s decision to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims after a five-year halt. 

The yatra, which had been suspended due to the pandemic and border tensions, will recommence on June 30. Singh welcomed the resumption as a “positive step” toward normalising people-to-people ties.

Singh also presented Admiral Dong Jun with a traditional Madhubani painting from Bihar’s Mithila region.

Singh's visit is his first to China since the Galwan incident and builds on recent efforts to ease tensions. Last week, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing and echoed similar sentiments, focusing on reviving overall ties and enhancing civilian exchanges.

India has consistently asserted the importance of peace at the border as a prerequisite for the broader relationship to progress.