GUWAHATI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday asserted India’s aspiration to advance beyond the current disengagement process with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) while indicating that it would require patience. Singh said India and China have been holding talks at both diplomatic and military levels to resolve the differences in some areas along the LAC.
As a result of the talks, a broad consensus has developed based on equal and mutual security, and it includes the rights of patrolling and grazing in traditional areas.
“Based on this consensus, the process of disengagement is almost complete. Our efforts will be to take the matter beyond disengagement; but for that, we will have to wait a little longer,” the defence minister said in his address after virtually inaugurating the ‘Desh ka Vallabh‘ statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing ‘Museum of Valour’ from the Army’s 4th Corps headquarters in Tezpur, Assam.
Singh emphasised the importance of national unity and the northeast’s distinctive contribution to India’s identity, aligning with PM Narendra Modi’s vision for regional development. “Holistic development of the nation is possible only when the Northeast prospers,” he added.
Singh praised the Armed Forces’ regional involvement, from NCC programmes to disaster relief. “Armed Forces not only provide security, but also become a medium for development in that region by cooperating with the people of the border areas,” he said.
