Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chinese counterpart may hold talks in Laos

Defence minister Rajnath Singh is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun at an event in Laos next week. Following the border patrolling agreement with China that led to disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh, Singh-Dong meeting would be the first high-level engagement between the two countries.

Singh will visit Laos to attend ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus), where he is likely to meet his outgoing US counterpart as well. Sources said while the meeting with Dong has not been finalised yet, the interaction could take place on the sidelines of the two-day event.

During a previous meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu in April 2023, India had taken a tough line due to faceoff in Ladakh.

The meeting is expected to be cordial given that troop disengagement has taken place and patrols have resumed at the last two border flashpoints of Depsang and Demchock.

Officials said all temporary structures have been dismantled and troops have moved back. The process has been verified and as per the pact, patrols have taken place in Depsang. Troops are likely to patrol the disputed areas every week and as per the deal, prior notice will be given by both sides to avoid any faceoff.

The next step will be de-escalation as 50,000 troops from each side have remained forward deployed for four straight winters at punishing altitudes due to tensions.

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