India, China Discuss Border Peace at SCO Defence Meet

During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Qingdao, China, on June 26, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun to discuss border-related issues. The two leaders held what were described as in-depth discussions on the need to restore peace, build trust, and work toward a permanent solution for the complex border demarcation challenges between the two nations.

According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the meeting revolved around the importance of border management through existing mechanisms and the need to revitalize bilateral dialogues that had weakened since the 2020 Galwan Valley standoff. Singh noted that India is committed to achieving peace through sustained efforts but emphasized that on-ground actions must reflect the mutual commitments made in diplomatic channels.

Permanent Roadmap Needed to Bridge Strategic Trust Deficit

The Indian Defence Minister stressed that resolving the border issue cannot rely solely on temporary measures or reactive military agreements. Instead, a structured, permanent roadmap—one that includes clear timelines, engagement strategies, and mutually agreed procedures—is essential to prevent future incidents.

This roadmap, Singh suggested, should build on existing confidence-building measures, such as coordinated disengagement protocols, communication channels at local military levels, and early-warning systems to prevent accidental escalations. Both sides reportedly agreed on the need for this kind of long-term institutional commitment to ensure that future friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are managed without leading to confrontations.

2020 Border Standoff Still Casts a Long Shadow

The meeting occurred in the backdrop of tensions that began escalating in May 2020, culminating in a violent clash at Galwan Valley that led to casualties on both sides—the most serious conflict between the two nations in over four decades. The fallout of this incident led to strained diplomatic ties, heightened military alertness, and an increased deployment of forces across key sectors along the LAC, particularly in Eastern Ladakh.

Since then, multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks have taken place, leading to partial disengagement in some areas. However, tensions continue in regions like Depsang and Demchok, and Indian officials have emphasized that full de-escalation is only possible when pre-2020 status quo is restored. Singh reiterated that restoring trust is a process, and requires “action on the ground,” not just words at conferences.

China’s Role and Response at the SCO Platform

Admiral Dong Jun, who assumed office as China’s Defence Minister in late 2023, acknowledged India’s concerns during the discussion and reiterated Beijing’s desire to maintain stability along the border. Both sides showed willingness to continue communication through the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) and senior military commander meetings, which have been instrumental in de-escalation since 2020.

While the Chinese side has consistently called for a broader strategic vision that separates border tensions from overall bilateral cooperation, India maintains that normalcy in relations cannot be achieved without resolving border friction.

Peace as a Prerequisite for Asian Stability and Cooperation

During the conversation, Singh underlined that peace and tranquillity at the borders are critical for wider regional and international stability. India and China, as two of Asia’s largest economies and nuclear-armed neighbours, share a unique responsibility in maintaining peace in a region that is often influenced by evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Singh said that achieving a peaceful resolution of border issues would not only benefit the two nations directly but also serve as a stabilizing factor for Asia and the global South, both of which are increasingly shaped by multipolar competition, security challenges, and economic interdependence.

Cultural Diplomacy: Mithila Painting as a Symbol of Goodwill

In a notable cultural gesture, Rajnath Singh presented a Madhubani (Mithila) painting to his Chinese counterpart during their meeting. The painting originates from the Mithila region in the Indian state of Bihar and is recognized globally for its intricate linework, vibrant colours, and representations of folk mythology and natural harmony.

By gifting this piece of Indian heritage, Singh emphasized the potential of soft diplomacy to complement defence dialogues. The artwork, filled with symbolic meaning and rooted in India’s cultural ethos, acted as a reminder that diplomacy isn’t only conducted in formal settings—it also flourishes through art, tradition, and shared respect.

Historical Context: India-China Border Issues and Attempts at Resolution

India and China share a 3,488-kilometre-long border, much of which is disputed. Despite numerous efforts, including the 1993 and 1996 border agreements, both nations continue to face issues in key sectors, particularly in Eastern Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. These tensions are further complicated by infrastructure development, differing perceptions of LAC alignment, and military posturing.

Over the years, various bilateral mechanisms have been established to manage and reduce tensions, including:

Border Personnel Meetings (BPMs)

Flag Meetings

Annual Defence Dialogues

The WMCC and special representative talks

While these platforms have succeeded in preventing major outbreaks in the past, the 2020 incident exposed their limitations and led both sides to consider deeper reforms in conflict prevention and resolution.

Economic and Strategic Incentives for Peace

A resolution of the border issue could unlock greater potential for economic engagement. China remains one of India’s largest trading partners, despite the dip in diplomatic warmth post-Galwan. In FY2023–24, bilateral trade stood at over USD 118 billion, though India faces a significant trade deficit.

Beyond trade, stabilizing the border could facilitate collaborations in renewable energy, climate change mitigation, digital connectivity, and multilateral platforms like BRICS and SCO. Peaceful relations could also reduce India’s defence spending on high-altitude deployments and allow both nations to focus on internal development priorities.

SCO as a Multilateral Platform for Dialogue

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has increasingly become a strategic platform for regional diplomacy, particularly in security matters. India has used SCO meetings to engage not just China, but also Russia, Central Asian nations, and observers like Iran.

Though the SCO doesn’t mandate dispute resolution, it allows for bilateral talks in a multilateral context, which can soften hard positions and encourage cooperation. The Defence Ministers’ Meet in Qingdao was yet another example of India using the SCO forum to address pressing issues while reinforcing regional security architecture.

The Road Ahead: From Agreement to Action

What will determine the success of these dialogues is not just their frequency, but their impact on real-world conditions. Rebuilding mutual trust, reducing troop deployments, disengaging from conflict points, and increasing transparency will be key to creating a lasting peace.

Both nations agreed to maintain strategic communication and advance conversations through existing diplomatic and military mechanisms. However, the pace and credibility of actions—particularly in contested zones like Depsang—will remain under scrutiny from the global community.

From Words to Will—Paving the Way for Long-Term Peace

The meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Admiral Dong Jun marked a significant step toward easing one of Asia’s most sensitive fault lines. By emphasizing a permanent solution based on dialogue, mutual respect, and practical measures, the leaders signaled their commitment to peace—not just for bilateral ties but for a broader Asian stability.

The symbolic exchange of a Madhubani painting captured the essence of their shared aspirations: vibrant traditions, enduring patience, and a focus on coexistence. If implemented sincerely, the Qingdao dialogue could become a model for how two regional giants can manage complex relations through diplomacy, not confrontation.