Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday told theLok Sabha that both India and China were exercising restraint in Doklam, whereboth the countries were involved in a standoff in 2017. Addressing Parliament,the Defence Minister reiterated that both India and China were maintaining“peace and tranquillity” at the border. “India and China are respecting theexisting agreements to maintain peace and tranquillity at the border,” said theDefence Minister. He added, “Currently in Doklam, both sides (India and China)are exercising restraint.”

Referring to the steps being taken by the government toenhance security along border with China, Singh said, “Infrastructure likeroads, tunnels, railway lines and airfields are being developed on the borderof India and China to ensure the sovereignty and security of the nation.”Thestatement on Doklam by the Defence Minister comes just months after China’sstate-run Global Times showered praised on Prime Minister Narendra Modi,saying, “Modi is rational when it comes to China issue. During his term inoffice, Modi played an important role in peacefully ending the Doklam crisis.”Troopsof India and China were locked in a 73-day standoff in Doklam in the Sikkimsector starting June 16, 2018 after the Indian side stopped construction of aroad in the disputed tri-junction by the Chinese army.Bhutan and China have adispute over Doklam and both the countries have been holding talks to resolvethe issue.

Former Indian Ambassador to China, Ashok K Kantha, had in2018 said that Doklam should not be looked upon as an isolated incident butpart of a large pattern of behaviour on the part of China."Chinese did notseem to anticipate forceful action taken by us," he had said.