With tension continuing at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday India and China are engaged at diplomatic and military levels to resolve the face-offs. Making it clear that the issue is bilateral, he also said this was conveyed to his US counterpart Mark Esper in telephonic conversation on Friday. It is the first time in the last 25 plus days since the four stand-offs that a senior Central Minister has given a statement.
Making these assertions, Singh also said “the country should be assured that we will not allow India’s dignity to be hurt under any circumstances” adding “India has always tried to maintain a peaceful relation with its neighbours. We do not seek to challenge any nation.”
Elaborating upon the Government’s plan of action to address the ongoing confrontation in Ladakh with China also bolstering its troop strength besides intruding into the Hot Spring area in Galwan valley, the minister in an interview with a private television channel said he told the US that India will resolve the issue with China bilaterally.
“Yesterday (Friday) I spoke to the Secretary Defence of the US and I told him that India has a set mechanism under which we resolve our disputes with China, both at the military and diplomatic level. The mechanism is in place and our talks are on with China,” Singh said.
His comments come days after US President Donald Trump said he is willing to mediate between India and China to resolve the ongoing dispute in Ladakh region and termed it “raging border dispute.” The foreign ministries of India and China had rejected his offer two days back and said parleys were on.
At least seven rounds of talks at the local commander level of two armies have already taken place in the last fortnight. However, the face-offs are still on as there is no breakthrough so far. The external affairs ministry had said some days back that the issue will be resolved as per the five agreements on border management signed between the two countries between 1993 and 2013.
Without going into the specifics, Singh said “India is trying to ensure that this tension does not escalate. Engagements are on with China both at the military and diplomatic level. Even China has said it wants to settle this via dialogue.”
On the current situation on the LAC, he said “India’s policy has been very clear that we should have good relations with all neighbours. This has been a long-standing effort. But sometimes, circumstances arise with China that things like this happen,” he said.
To a question on China’s ability to exert pressure on India, the Minister said there was no question of this happening since the country had a strong leadership and the people knew this. Asked about reports that Chinese troops have crossed into Indian territory in Ladakh, Singh said there were differing perceptions on the alignment of the LAC due to which both sides patrol across the LAC till their lines of perception.
Singh also referred to the Doklam stand-off between the two armies in Sikkim plateau in 2017 and said “it appeared at that time that the situation was very tense. But we did not step back… Ultimately, we were able to resolve the situation.” The eyeball to eyeball confrontation there last for nearly 73 days and intervention at the highest diplomatic level led to the two armies stepping back.
Asked about dispute with Nepal over Lipulekh and Kalapani regions, Singh said, “Nepal is our brother. We will settle our difference via dialogue.” Kathmandu is protesting against opening of nearly 100 km long road near Lipulekh in Uttarakhand by India thereby reducing Kailash Mansarovar yatra by more than ten days. Incidentally, Singh had inaugurated this road earlier this month.
