Amid border tensions, Rajnath Singh meets Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghi in Moscow

Rajnath SIngh tweeted: "Met with the Chinese Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe in Moscow."

He also shared an image of the meeting on the social media platform.

This comes as the two sides experience serious tension over standoff that erupted between the two countries in Ladakh in May.In the first deadly clash in a time span of over 40 years, at least 20 Indian personnel were martyred.Though China did not disclose the casualties on its side, unconfirmed reports claimed at least 45 Chinese personnel were killed in a befitting reply by the Indian soldiers.

Singh on Friday emphasised that “peaceful, stable and secure region of SCO member states – which is home to over 40 per cent of the global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each other’s interest and peaceful resolution of differences.

"He was addressing the Combined Meeting of Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Member States in Moscow on Friday. 

"If I may borrow an idea articulated by our Prime Minister in a different context, our goal should be ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region’,” he added.

Referring to the threats faced by the world, Singh said, “We need institutional capacity to deal with both traditional and non-traditional threats – above all, terrorism, drug-trafficking and transnational crime. As you all are aware, India unequivocally condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations, and condemns its proponents." 

"India values the works of SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS).  We laud RATS’ recent work in the cyber domain to prevent the spread of radicalism and extremism. The adoption of anti-terror measures by the SCO Council to counter extremist propaganda and de-radicalisation is a significant decision,” said he.Singh expressed his deep concern about the situation in the Persian Gulf Region. 

He said, “India has vital interests and links of civilisation and culture with all States in the Gulf.  We call upon countries in the region – all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of each other.”

Speaking about the situation in Afghanistan, Singh said, “Security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern.  

India will continue to support the efforts of the people and Government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process.

The SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan is useful for exchanging notes among SCO Member States." He reaffirmed India’s commitment to evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws.