Rajnath Singh to Attend SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in China
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit China from June 25 to 27 to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ summit in Qingdao. This marks his first international trip following India’s launch of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May. Notably, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif is also expected to attend, hinting at a possible post-Operation Sindoor face-off.
Moving Toward Normalising India-China Relations
The visit comes amid gradual warming of ties between India and China after years of friction stemming from the deadly 2020 border clashes in the Himalayas. Over recent months, the two nations have taken significant steps to revive trade, travel, and diplomatic communication.
India’s External Affairs Minister previously remarked that bilateral relations have improved considerably, especially following disengagement efforts in key disputed areas like Depsang and Demchok. The dialogue aims to address lingering border issues aggravated by military build-ups over the years and pandemic-related disruptions.
Key Context Behind the Visit
- The Defence Minister’s trip coincides with the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, supported by Chinese authorities.
- Rajnath Singh will meet China’s Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the SCO summit to discuss further easing border tensions.
- This meeting will build on their previous engagement during the ADMM-Plus summit in Laos, the first since the recent border disengagement agreement.
- Diplomatic conversations likely include restoring air connectivity, sharing hydrological data, and enhancing visa and people-to-people exchanges.
Diplomatic Progress and Ongoing Challenges
Recent interactions between Indian and Chinese officials, including talks between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, have reaffirmed mutual commitment toward smoother bilateral relations and China’s SCO presidency.
However, underlying challenges remain. China’s continued economic and military support to Pakistan stands as a substantial roadblock to deeper India-China cooperation. Whether this sensitive issue will arise during Rajnath Singh’s dialogues remains to be seen.
Looking Ahead
This visit signals a crucial moment in recalibrating South Asian geopolitics. It underscores India’s efforts to engage proactively with China on multiple fronts, while simultaneously navigating complex regional tensions involving Pakistan. With defence ministers from India, China, and Pakistan sharing the same forum, the upcoming SCO summit in Qingdao could prove critical in shaping the security dynamics of the region.
