Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India and China have continued talks to resolve disputes along some areas of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, adding that the two neighbors now There is a broad consensus to restore the status quo. The ground that existed before the 2020 border clashes.
The Union Minister's comments came a day after Army sources confirmed that the disengagement between Indian and Chinese forces in the Depsang and Demchuk plains, where tensions have persisted since the 2020 clashes, has been completed. is, paving the way for a possible return to regular patrolling.
Sources told India Today on Wednesday evening that soldiers from both sides will exchange sweets on the occasion of Diwali on Thursday.
The disengagement included the withdrawal of troops, tents and temporary structures.
Addressing the media in Tezpur, where he formally inaugurated the Major Ralingnao 'Bab' Khating Museum of Valor in Tawang, Rajnath Singh said the consensus between India and China was the basis of “equality and mutual security”. But it happened.
“The consensus that has been reached includes patrolling and grazing rights in traditional areas… We will try to move the issue beyond defection, but that will take us a little while,” he added. Will have to,” he added.
On 21 October, India announced that it had signed an agreement with China on patrols along the LAC, marking a breakthrough in ending the more than four-year-long military standoff that ended in June 2020. It began after deadly clashes between the countries' soldiers. Galvan Valley.
As part of the phased separation process, air verification was successfully completed at Depsang on Tuesday. By evening, significant progress had been made in the area, with tents, makeshift structures, and vehicles completely removed from both Depsang and Demchuk.
Simultaneous separation and verification procedures were carefully carried out, which is an important step towards restoring stability in this part of the LAC.
In his address, Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary today, acknowledging his instrumental role in uniting over 560 princely states after independence, a feat he It is a testament to the incredible commitment and determination to unite. India
“This 'Desh Ka Vallabh' statue will inspire people, reminding them of the strength of unity and unwavering spirit that is essential to build a nation as diverse as ours,” he said.
“The kind of unity that we see in India is amazing… our efforts should be to maintain this characteristic.”
He also emphasized the importance of unity and harmony and the unique role of the North-Eastern region in the nation's identity. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ensuring economic and infrastructural development of the entire region.
“All-round development of the country is possible only when the North-East is prosperous. We will create a North-East which is not only naturally and culturally but also economically strong and prosperous.
Rajnath Singh further highlighted the important role of Border Roads Organization (BRO) in the development of the region. He made a special mention of the Sela Tunnel connecting Assam and Tawang, a project that will enhance connectivity in the Northeast.
“In times to come, the Arunachal Frontier Highway project will play an important role in connecting the entire Northeast region, especially the border areas. This 2,000 km long highway will prove to be an important strategic and economic asset for the region as well as the nation as a whole. will be
Paying tribute to Major Bob Khathang, an extraordinary figure who made invaluable contributions to the North-East region and national security, the Defense Minister said, “Khathang not only led the peaceful integration of Tawang into India but also provided essential military and also set up a security framework, including the Sashstra Seema Bal, the Nagaland Armed Police, and the Naga Regiment.”
“The Museum of Love now pays tribute to his bravery and foresight, inspiring generations to come.”