India, China exercising restraint in Doklam: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Speaking in Lok Sabha on the current state of relations with China, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that both the nations are committed to uphold existing agreements to maintain peace and tranquillity at the border. Defence minister added, “Infrastructure like roads, tunnels, railway lines and airfields are being developed on the border of India & China to ensure the sovereignty & security of the nation.” Giving an account of the situation at border, Rajnath Singh ensured that both the nations are exercising restraint in Doklam.

Recently, Army Chief Bipin Rawat reacting on Chinese troops’ movement in Jammu and Kashmir’s Demchok had denied any intrusion from Chinese side saying, “Celebrations were underway in our side and just to see what was happening, the Chinese troops came.”

Moreover, Chinese president Xi Jinping is set to visit India later this year in October. PM Modi and Xi Jinping will hold second 'informal summit' at Varanasi on October 12, reported The Hindu. Earlier in April 2018, the first informal meet had taken place in Wuhan. It is expected that both leaders will take a boat ride in ancient city of Varanasi. The meeting marks the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and China.

In June this year, PM Modi and Jinping met on the sidelines of SCO Summit is Bishkek. Calling his meeting with Jinping ‘extremely fruitful’ PM Modi had said, ‘We shall continue working together to improve economic and cultural ties between our nations.’ Xi reciprocated Modi’s gesture as he said, “China is ready to work with India to continuously advance the closer development partnership between the two countries.”

Moreover, China has for long been derailing India’s efforts to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group which widened the rift between both the countries. India, on the other hand, has been apprehensive of China’s Belt and Road initiative.