Arunachal: Union minister Kiren Rijiju interacts with Chinese soldiers in Tawang

Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju engaged with Chinese soldiers stationed near the Sino-Indian border in Tawang during a Diwali visit to an Indian Army post on Friday. The interaction, captured in a video shared on social media, showcased a rare moment of diplomacy and camaraderie between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The visit coincides with recent diplomatic strides between India and China, marking a positive development following years of heightened tensions along the LAC. Rijiju, hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, exchanged greetings with three members of China’s People's Liberation Army (PLA) through an interpreter. He inquired about their experience of serving in the high-altitude post, which lies approximately 15,000 feet above sea level.

The Chinese soldiers expressed that they were well-acclimated to the conditions, maintaining that they faced no issues while stationed in the challenging environment. Rijiju shared the moment on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing, "After talking to Chinese soldiers and seeing the infrastructures, everyone will feel proud of India's border development now."

The minister also celebrated Diwali with Indian troops posted along the border, underscoring the government's commitment to stand in solidarity with the personnel stationed far from home. “Since you are far away from home during Diwali, we have also decided to be away from home and spend time with you,” Rijiju said, acknowledging the sacrifice of soldiers deployed in remote and demanding conditions.

Diwali celebrations this year also saw the exchange of sweets between Indian and Chinese troops at multiple points along the LAC, reinforcing a gesture of goodwill amid progress in disengagement efforts. Notably, both countries recently achieved disengagement at key friction points in eastern Ladakh, including the Demchok and Depsang Plains areas, signifying mutual commitment to peaceful coexistence along the border.