New Delhi: India has sent a strong message to China during the first meeting of defence ministers of the two nations since the Galwan incident. Underscoring the need for peace and tranquility at the border, New Delhi said "violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations".
A communique released after Union minister Rajnath Singh's meet with Chinese counterpart General Li Shangfu -- held on the sidelines of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) meeting -- read: "The Raksha Mantri categorically conveyed that development of relations between India and China is premised on prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the borders".
"He added that all issues at the LAC need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments. He reiterated that violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border will logically be followed with de-escalation," the statement added.
The 18 rounds of talks between the military commanders of India and China have led to disengagement in certain areas of Ladakh including Hot Springs, Galwan, and north bank of Pangong Lake. But there has been little headway in resolving the situation in strategically important Demchok and Depsang, where the Chinese occupy large swathes of Indian territory.
After the meet earlier this week, both sides agreed to "speed up" the settlement of "relevant issues" and safeguard peace in border areas.
Repeated Chinese transgressions in Ladakh has led to face-offs with Indian soldiers, the worst of which took place in Galwan, where 20 Indian soldiers died in action in 2020.
Since then, there have been reports of China paring off Indian territory in various spots of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, and building up infrastructure in terms of roads and air bases.