Eye on China, Rajnath Singh calls for talks to resolve global disputes | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: China’s expansionist muscle-flexing and ‘grey zone’ tactics in the Indo-Pacific continue to figure prominently on the radar screens of the ‘Quad‘ and other countries, with defence minister Rajnath Singh once again stressing India firmly stands for freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce and adherence to international law for peace and prosperity in the region.
Addressing the Asean defence ministers’ meeting-plus at Vientiane on Thursday, a day after he told Chinese defence minister Admiral Dong Jun that de-escalation must now follow the recent disengagement in eastern Ladakh, Singh said open dialogue and peaceful negotiations were the only way forward in resolving complex global issues ranging from border disputes to trade agreements. It’s time Buddhist doctrines of peaceful co-existence were embraced more closely, as the world is getting more polarised into blocks and camps, he said, with Dong and others listening. “The power of dialogue has always proven effective, yielding tangible results that contribute to stability and harmony on the global stage. India believes genuine long-term solutions to global problems can only be achieved when nations engage constructively, respecting each other’s perspectives,” he added.
Singh and Australian defence minister Pat Conroy announced an arrangement on air-to-air refuelling between their armed forces as part of their expanding military interoperability, while stressing their shared interests in ensuring “stability and security” in the Indian Ocean Region. Under the pact, KC-30A multi-role tankers will provide mid-air refuelling to Indian military aircraft. With US secretary of defence Lloyd J Austin, Singh discussed the “remarkable progress” made in defence-industrial cooperation, including the proposed co-production of GE-F414 jet engines for Tejas fighters, and “ongoing efforts to deepen the military partnership and interoperability to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific”.