'Violation Of Agreements Eroded Entire Basis Of Bilateral Relations': India's Strong Message To China As Defence Ministers Hold Talks On Border Standoff

India conveyed a strong message to China during the first meeting between the defence ministers of the two countries since the Galwan incident in June 2020, emphasising the importance of peace and tranquility at the border.

At the meeting, India stressed that the violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations.

According to a Defence Ministry statement, during their meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh "categorically conveyed" to Chinese counterpart General Li Shangfu that the "development of relations between India and China is premised on prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the borders".

He added that all issues at the LAC need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments.

Singh reiterated that "violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border will logically be followed with de-escalation".

India and China have engaged in 18 rounds of military commander talks to resolve the ongoing tensions in Ladakh.

The 18th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held recently, during which both sides agreed to maintain security and stability in the Western Sector of the LAC.

The military talks on 23 April came after a gap of four months.

India has been pushing for the resolution of the standoffs in the Depsang Plains in northeastern Ladakh and Depsang in southeastern Ladakh, which predate the tensions at other friction points, like the north bank of the Pangong Lake, that have been partially resolved.