Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe on Friday evening on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) ministerial meeting amid growing tensions in eastern Ladakh. Government sources gave this information.

This will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after the border dispute in eastern Ladakh in early May. However, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar had a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi over the dispute.

Singh and Wei are in Moscow on Friday to attend the SCO Defense Ministers meeting. Sources said that a meeting has been requested on behalf of the Chinese Defense Minister. A source said the meeting is likely to take place.

The deadlock between the forces of India and China continues in many places in eastern Ladakh. Tensions escalated when Chinese forces unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory on the southern shore of Pangong Lake five days ago, even as both sides tried to resolve the dispute through diplomatic and military negotiation.

India stands on strategic high altitude areas on the southern shore of Pangong Lake and has strengthened its presence in 'Finger-2' and 'Finger-3' to thwart any Chinese action. China has strongly opposed India's move.

After this snowfall of China, India has deployed additional troops and weapons in sensitive areas. Army Chief General MM Narwane is also currently on a two-day visit to Ladakh.