Indian and Chinese military commanders face to face in Ladakh (File)
New Delhi:
Senior Indian and Chinese military commanders met at designated points along the LAC (effective line of control) on May 22 and 23 to defuse the current situation in eastern Ladakh.
The sources confirmed to the ANI news agency that the parallel diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Beijing are also working on a peaceful resolution. Since the beginning of May, several aggressive incidents have taken place in eastern Ladakh by the Chinese army along the LAC.
As Indian and Chinese military commanders hold face-to-face talks in Ladakh and diplomatic efforts are underway in the country’s capitals to resolve the situation, the Indian army has responded effectively by strengthening and deploying its own capabilities in eastern Ladakh, including Galwan. sector.
Sources told the ANI news agency that no compromise will be made in maintaining the sanctity of India’s borders and that even if India believes in peace, it is firm and resolute in defense of its territory.
This was reflected in the very spirit in the four or more agreements between India and China, which have historically been the mechanism for border management. The mechanisms are still in place and operate bilaterally. Two of them date from 1993 and 1996 and there is a CBM (confidence-building measures) in place since 2005 and a border agreement since 2013.
These agreements provide the framework within which border talks have taken place between India and China and have not resulted in a real conflict. They also figured in summit meetings between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi and former prime ministers and presidents of the two countries.
However, this is not the first time that the Chinese army has adopted an aggressive attitude in this region and provoked a confrontation with Indian troops since the 1962 war between China and India.
There was Sikkim in 2008, Depsang in 2013, Chumar in 2014, Doklam, by far the first since 1962, in 2017. China is not comfortable with the construction of the Darbuk-Shyok-BOD road in the Indian part of the LAC. Construction of the 255 km road started in 2000 and was scheduled to be completed in 2014, but after several hiccups, the entire road was finally ready for use recently.
The current confrontation is believed to be in response to India’s regular construction of infrastructure in Ladakh and increased local civil activity on the Indian side of the LAC region. For China, this is irritating because India is rapidly reducing the infrastructure deficit in Ladakh. Although India has in no way hindered the activities of the Chinese on their side of the LAC, whether it be the establishment of prefabricated structures or an increase in their patrols.
The Chinese patrol units have been aggressive in expressing their dissatisfaction with the activity of the Indian army on the BOD route. This was manifested in their activity in the Galwan sector, Lake Pangong and other strategic areas. The Indian military has responded and will continue to respond to the need, sources say.
The rise of the national security apparatus after Kargil which included the eastern sector was a source of vexation for the Chinese. The increased interference with Indian patrols along the LAC by the Chinese after the year 2000 saw him become hyper-aggressive in the impasse of Doklam.
While this confrontation in eastern Ladakh is a similar strategy, sources indicate that the Indian army is well prepared to call on the necessary forces to ensure that its national security is not compromised, even for a minute. China has strengthened its forces along its side of the LAC region, as evidenced by the satellite images available in open source intelligence data.
He did not hesitate to push his troops back and forth in the LAC region to elicit a response from the Indian side. These mind games are often played by troops when they are at eyeball level in unbounded borders like the LAC. However, sources indicate that this time the Chinese side seems to be playing more than normal eye games. As a result, the Indian army has displaced as many or more men and equipment as necessary to the sight of the Chinese army.
It is incorrect and naive to assume, according to sources, that the Indian military was caught napping due to the conditions of Covid-19. These conditions prevail on both sides of the LAC region, in fact probably more on the other side, so to say that troop levels are low or lower is an incorrect assumption, sources say. The Indian armed forces are ready for a scenario in which this impasse could not be short lived.
If anything, the episode of Doklam was a learning experience for India as China does not back down easily, no international harassment works on them and they like to continue testing India on how long and how hard it can resist.
Sources indicate that unlike some reports; Indian front line commanders have been quick in their reaction and firmness and continue to maintain their position within the IBC.
(With the exception of the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
