Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao from June 25 to
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao from June 25 to 27, 2025, marks a significant step in the ongoing diplomatic reset between India and China. This visit, the first by an Indian defence minister since the 2020 Galwan clash, signals cautious optimism in restoring trust after years of strained bilateral relations. Amid regional security challenges and the resumption of cultural exchanges like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the trip underscores India’s commitment to dialogue within the SCO framework while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.
Recent reports indicate that Singh’s agenda includes a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, to discuss border disengagement and confidence-building measures along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The visit follows a landmark October 2024 agreement that enabled troop withdrawal and resumed patrolling in eastern Ladakh, easing tensions that flared during the 2020 standoff. Singh’s presence at the SCO meeting, hosted by China, reflects India’s push for regional security cooperation and counter-terrorism, key pillars of the SCO. Posts on X highlight public interest in the visit, with some users noting the symbolic gesture of Singh presenting a Madhubani painting to Dong Jun, signaling cultural goodwill.
The SCO summit provides a platform for India to address pressing regional issues, including cross-border terrorism and trade disruptions amid global tensions. Singh emphasized the need for decisive action against terrorism, stating at the meeting that “peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism.” His remarks align with India’s longstanding call for SCO members, including Pakistan and China, to combat terrorism unequivocally, particularly through the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). Experts note that India’s participation, alongside National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s concurrent visit for security talks, underscores a multi-pronged approach to stabilize India-China relations while addressing broader security concerns.
The timing of Singh’s visit coincides with significant developments. The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra on June 24, 2025, after a six-year hiatus, marks a thaw in cultural ties, facilitated by recent diplomatic engagements. Official statements confirm that discussions between Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s talks with Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in New Delhi, paved the way for this pilgrimage. These steps reflect a broader effort to rebuild trust, with potential plans for direct flights between India and China in the coming months. However, experts caution that deeper issues, such as unresolved boundary disputes, require sustained dialogue.
China’s strategic circles express cautious optimism about the diplomatic reset, with analysts like Wang Shida from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations praising the restoration of institutional dialogue mechanisms. Yet, challenges remain. India remains wary of China’s push for the Russia-India-China trilateral mechanism and its advocacy for renminbi settlement in trade, which could pressure India’s economic interests. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some viewing the visit as a step toward peace, while others urge vigilance given past tensions. The SCO meeting’s focus on regional stability, particularly amid U.S.-Iran-Israel tensions, adds complexity, as India navigates its neutral stance while engaging with SCO members like Russia and Iran.
Singh’s visit sets the stage for further high-level engagements, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin in August 2025, potentially meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping. This follows their recent talks at the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024, which catalyzed the border agreement. As India and China work to move beyond the shadow of the Galwan clash, Singh’s trip to Qingdao represents a pragmatic step toward stability. By leveraging the SCO platform, India aims to balance regional cooperation with its security priorities, ensuring that dialogue, not confrontation, shapes the future of India-China ties.
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