‘Consensus achieved by India, China to resolve differences along LAC’

New Delhi, Oct 24: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India and China have reached a "broad consensus" to resolve their differences in certain areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), emphasising that continuous dialogue has paved the way for these advancements.

Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 in New Delhi on October 24, Singh highlighted the success of ongoing diplomatic and military-level talks between the two nations, which have helped restore stability in key border areas.

"The broad consensus achieved by India and China to resolve their differences in certain areas along the LAC is proof that continuous dialogue brings solutions," Singh stated during his keynote address. He pointed out that the agreements reached are based on principles of "equal and mutual security," underscoring the importance of sustained negotiations in easing tensions between the two nuclear armed neighbours.

This statement comes against the backdrop of prolonged standoffs and skirmishes along the LAC, particularly in regions like Ladakh, since 2019 where both nations have bolstered their military presence in recent years.

The latest disengagement and restart of patrolling, an agreement reached early this week led to the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday at the sidelines of the BRICS summit nearly after five years of gap.

This consensus marks a turning point in relations between India and China, offering a pathway to reducing border tensions through diplomatic channels rather than military confrontation.

During his address on India’s vision for development and security, Singh linked the broader theme of national security to economic development.

He argued that security should be seen not as a cost, but as an enabler of growth. “Security and development are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing," Singh said. "A significant portion of any nation’s budget is dedicated to security, and this sector itself makes vital economic contributions through job creation, technological advancements, and infrastructure development.”

Rajnath Singh emphasised that India’s focus on achieving self-reliance in defence production, or Aatmanirbharta, is already transforming the nation’s economic landscape. “If defence had been recognised as an integral component of development earlier, India might have achieved self-reliance in the sector much sooner,” he remarked.

Rajnath Singh noted that indigenous manufacturing of defence equipment has created jobs and spurred innovation, leading to greater economic self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on imports.

Addressing concerns about India’s push for self-reliance, Singh clarified that this approach does not mean isolation from the global community. Instead, it represents India’s commitment to fostering an "equitable and inclusive" world order. "Our journey toward self-reliance is not a step toward alienation, but a move to strengthen partnerships with the global community," Singh said, adding that India aims to contribute to a fair international system through collaboration.

The Chanakya Defence Dialogue, organised by the Army in collaboration with the think tank, Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), brings together military leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world. This year’s event featured key discussions on the convergence of security, technology, and sustainable development, with notable contributions from leaders across the United States, Russia, Israel, and Sri Lanka.

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi also addressed the gathering, highlighting the critical importance of leveraging technology for national security. "The convergence of technology and security is paramount in today's context," Dwivedi said, stressing the role of 'smart power'—a blend of military might, diplomacy, and development—in fostering long-term peace and security.

As India pushes forward with modernisation and digitisation, the Indian Army showcased 100 initiatives in digitisation and automation, aligning itself with the government’s Digital India mission.

These efforts are aimed at ensuring the Army remains prepared to meet both conventional and unconventional security challenges while contributing to India’s vision of becoming a fully developed nation by 2047.

Regarding environmental sustainability, the Indian Army also outlined its efforts to adopt green practices, aiming to lead by example in the fight against climate change. These initiatives, aimed at reducing the Army's carbon footprint, reflect the military’s commitment to balancing operational readiness with environmental responsibility.

As the Chanakya Defence Dialogue continues tomorrow for the second day running, the Defence Minister and India’s message to the global community is clear: national security is not only a prerequisite for economic growth but also a cornerstone for sustainable and inclusive development in an increasingly interconnected world.