LAC consensus based on principle of mutual security: Defence Minister

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Thursday that the consensus achieved to restore the ground situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China is rooted in the principles of equal and mutual security needs. Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue organised by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), Singh emphasised that both diplomatic and military talks between India and China have led to significant progress on the issue.

“The consensus includes rights of patrolling and grazing in traditional areas,” Singh said, noting that India and China have engaged in continuous discussions to resolve differences along certain sections of the LAC. “Broad consensus has been achieved based on the principles of equal and mutual security,” he added, stressing the importance of dialogue in resolving border issues.

This statement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. The two leaders agreed to revitalise their bilateral relationship, and special representatives were tasked with overseeing peace and tranquillity along the border while working toward a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable” solution to the boundary issue. While both armies remain deployed along the LAC, the friction points have been reduced.

Singh also touched upon India’s pursuit of self-reliance in military technology, clarifying that self-reliance does not equate to isolation. “Our journey toward self-reliance is not a step toward alienation. Rather, it marks the beginning of a new chapter characterized by collaboration and partnership with the global community,” he said.