More than a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed India’s commitment to resolving tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, emphasizing that while disengagement is nearly complete, further progress will require patience. Mr. Singh acknowledged that sustained diplomatic and military talks have led to a broad consensus based on “equal and mutual security,” covering patrolling and grazing rights in traditional areas. However, he cautioned that moving beyond the disengagement stage to full de-escalation would take additional time, hinting at the need for a gradual restoration of trust. Speaking from Tezpur in Assam, Mr. Singh virtually inaugurated the ‘Desh Ka Vallabh’ statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing Museum of Valour, which commemorates India’s unity and honours the contributions of Northeast India to the nation. The event was held at the 4 Corps headquarters in Tezpur on November 4, 2004. His remarks came on the same day that Indian soldiers offered Diwali sweets to their Chinese counterparts at five locations along the LAC, including Chushul and Hot Springs. This goodwill gesture reflects efforts by the two nations to normalize interactions at the border despite longstanding tensions. In his address, Mr. Singh praised the Indian Armed Forces’ efforts in securing the borders and fostering development in frontier regions, particularly in the Northeast. Highlighting the importance of the Northeast to India’s identity and unity, he noted, “Holistic development of the nation is possible only when the Northeast prospers.” He commended the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for its role in enhancing connectivity in the region, specifically mentioning projects like the Sela Tunnel, which links Assam and Tawang. Singh emphasized that upcoming infrastructure, such as the 2,000-kilometer Arunachal Frontier Highway, would bolster the Northeast’s strategic and economic significance. Since the flare-up in 2020, over 50,000 troops from both countries, alongside heavy weaponry, have been stationed along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Although disengagement has been achieved in several areas, Singh’s comments underscore that full de-escalation remains contingent on building mutual trust, which may delay troop withdrawal.
The choice of Tawang for Singh’s original engagement was particularly symbolic, as China continues to claim parts of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory. India, however, firmly rejects these claims, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country. The virtual inauguration of the museum dedicated to Major Khathing, a key figure in the peaceful integration of Tawang into India in 1951, serves as a strong statement sent a strong message to China about India’s stance on the region’s sovereignty. Major Khathing’s legacy includes establishing critical military frameworks in Northeast India, such as the Sashastra Seema Bal, the Nagaland Armed Police, and the Naga Regiment. Mr Singh reiterated the importance of the Indian Armed Forces in supporting border communities through National Cadet Corps (NCC) programs, disaster relief, and economic initiatives. “The Armed Forces not only provide security but also act as agents of development by collaborating with local communities in border areas,” Mr Singh remarked, underscoring India’s commitment to fostering peace and progress in the region. Arunachal Pradesh’s leadership, including Governor Lt. Gen. KT Parnaik (Retd) and Chief Minister Pema Khandu, as well as Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, attended the event in Tawang alongside senior military officials. These leaders emphasized the strategic importance of the Northeast and reiterated India’s intent to enhance infrastructure and security capabilities in the region.
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