SCO Summit / Important discussion took place between Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defense Minister

SCO Summit: In an important diplomatic initiative amid tense relations between India and China, India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and China's Defense Minister Admiral Don Jun met. The meeting took place in Qingdao, China on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' Meeting, where the two leaders emphasized on improving mutual relations.

'Constructive and visionary' dialogue on bilateral relations

Rajnath Singh described this dialogue as 'constructive and visionary'. He said that it is imperative for both the countries to maintain positive momentum in their bilateral relations and avoid giving rise to new complications. He also mentioned that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been resumed after a gap of almost six years, which reflects mutual trust and dialogue.

Rajnath Singh posted on Twitter, "Met China's Defense Minister Admiral Don Jun on the sidelines of the SCO meeting in Qingdao. We had a constructive exchange of views on bilateral relations and emphasized on promoting mutual cooperation." Madhubani painting gave the message of cultural harmony

In this meeting, Rajnath Singh presented Madhubani painting, a symbol of India's traditional art, to the Chinese Defense Minister. This painting is the identity of the Mithila region of Bihar, which is famous for its vibrant colors, traditional motifs and emotions associated with folk culture. It emerged as a cultural symbol of harmony and peace.

India expressed disagreement on SCO joint statement

However, India took a clear stand in this meeting when Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint statement of SCO Defense Ministers. Actually, there was no mention of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir in the statement, in which 26 innocent people lost their lives. India considered this silence unacceptable and registered its strong protest against terrorism.

Rajnath Singh also raised the issue of cross-border terrorism indirectly targeting Pakistan and said that India's stand against terrorism is clear and firm.

Held talks with Admiral Don Jun, the Defence Minister of China, on the sidelines of SCO Defence Minitsers’ Meeting in Qingdao. We had a constructive and forward looking exchange of views on issues pertaining to bilateral relations.

Expressed my happiness on restarting of the… pic.twitter.com/dHj1OuHKzE

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 27, 2025