'Will Take Matter Beyond Disengagement': Defence Minister On India-China Border Truce

India and China have continued talks to resolve conflicts in some areas of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, adding that now there was a broad consensus between the two countries to restore the situation on the ground.

His remarks followed the completion of troop disengagement in areas where tensions have persisted since the 2020 clashes.

Speaking to the media in Tezpur, Assam, Singh emphasised that the agreement was reached based on “equal and mutual security.

” He added that the consensus includes rights for traditional patrolling and grazing.

‘Beyond disengagement’ “India and China have been holding talks at both diplomatic and military levels to resolve the differences in some areas along the LAC.

As a result of the talks, a broad consensus was developed on the basis of equal and mutual security,” the defence minister said.

“The consensus includes the rights of patrolling and grazing in traditional areas.

Based on this consensus, the process of disengagement is almost complete.

Our efforts will be to take the matter beyond disengagement; but for that, we will have to wait a little longer,” he added.

Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said in New Delhi that the agreement was finalised following negotiations over the past several weeks and that it would lead to a resolution of the issues that arose in 2020.

Since the announcement ending over four years of military standoff at eastern Ladakh, China released fewer details except acknowledging that the process of disengagement is going on smoothly.

On Thursday, Singh virtually dedicated to the nation ‘Desh ka Vallabh’ statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing ‘Museum of Valour’ at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh on October 31.

He carried out the inauguration from 4 Corps Headquarters in Tezpur, Assam.

He was supposed to visit Tawang, but could not due to bad weather.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel The unveiling coincided with the festival of lights ‘Deepawali’ as well as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ which is celebrated on 31st October every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The minister paid glowing tributes to Sardar Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, acknowledging his instrumental role in unifying over 560 princely states post-independence, a feat that stands as a testament to his indomitable resolve and commitment to a unified India.

“This statue ‘Desh Ka Vallabh’ will inspire people reminding them of the strength in unity and the unwavering spirit required to build a nation as diverse as ours,” he said.

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