Indo-China conflict: Defence minister says India won't reduce troops along LAC unless China does

Singh said, Indian side proposed new dates of January 23 or January 24 for the next round of talks after China asked talks on January 19.

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Over the standoff on Eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh said India will not reduce the troops unless China shrinks it on Friday.

Singh also said that India is building border infrastructure at a fast pace while China has objected to some of its moves.

In an interview with a TV Channel, Times Now, Defence Minister said, "Reduction in the number of troops won't happen. India won't reduce troops deployment unless China initiates the process."

"There is no deadline when it comes to matter like the ongoing standoff. You can't fix a date." he added as per the transcript of the interview released by the channel.

Rajnath Singh said that they are confident of finding a solution through talks. Singh, on the reports of border infrastructure or village developed by China in Arunachal Pradesh, he said such infrastructure were developed for several years.

"Now, India has also started constructing infrastructure near the LAC at a fast pace considering the requirements of the locals as well as our forces. We are developing our infrastructure at a very fast rate," Singh added.

Rajnath Singh also reiterated the observation of external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar that China has broken India's trust.

Singh said, Indian side proposed new dates of January 23 or January 24 for the next round of talks after China asked talks on January 19.

When asked about the farmers protest, he said, "The government has always said that there should be clause by clause discussions. Wherever the need arises, we will make the amendments. This is what I can recall. But if the farmers want more thorough discussions, the agriculture minister has given them a proposal that the government is ready to put the laws on hold for 18 months."

"In the meantime, we will have discussions and see what amendments are needed. We will decide on this matter," Defence Minister added.

Read More: China builds villages in Arunachal Pradesh; BJP MP says nothing new, inherited from Congress


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