'Talks Are Going On Well': Rajnath Singh On India, China Military Negotiations Amid Ladakh Standoff

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that ongoing talks between India and China regarding the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh are progressing positively.

"The talks are going on well," Singh said in an interview with PTI, but refrained from providing specific details, citing the sensitivity of the dialogue process.

The standoff between Indian and Chinese forces began in May 2020 and has continued despite disengagement efforts from multiple friction points.

Singh also said that India has been developing infrastructure along the frontier with China at a rapid speed, asserting that the country's borders will remain safe.

Asked whether he was hopeful of a positive outcome and an end to the nearly four-year face-off between the two militaries, Singh replied, "If there was no hope, then why to have talks."

"They (the Chinese side) also have hope and that is why holding the talks," he said.

Singh also took a potshot at the Congress for continuously targeting the government on the eastern Ladakh standoff.

"They (Congress) are questioning the bravery of Indian soldiers ... who are you demoralising? What is your intention? I can also go back to 1962 as well," he said.

Relations between India and China have been strained since a clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020.

The two sides held the last round of high-level military talks in February with an aim to resolve the row.

Though there was no indication of a breakthrough at the 21st round of talks, both sides agreed to maintain "peace and tranquillity" on the ground and continue the communication on the way ahead.

Also Read: Indian Army Plans New Unit 'OPFOR' For Realistic Military Exercises - Here's All About It