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“There is Nothing Called Buffer Zones” said Indian Army Chief

January 13, 2025, 1:40 pm

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated on Monday that India continues to deploy troops at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in a “robust” manner, maintaining readiness for “any kind of situation.” Speaking at his first annual press conference, Gen. Dwivedi confirmed that patrolling has resumed in key areas such as Depsang Plains and the Demchok region, marking a significant step towards normalizing the situation in Eastern Ladakh. Regarding the standoff in the Chushul region of Eastern Ladakh, Gen. Dwivedi clarified the misunderstanding surrounding buffer zones.

Buffer Zones Misconception

Gen. Dwivedi clarified the confusion regarding the standoff in the Chushul region of Eastern Ladakh, specifically addressing the concept of buffer zones. “There is nothing called buffer zones… The right terminology is ‘temporary moratorium,'” he explained. He further mentioned that these temporary measures were necessary due to high levels of violence in the region. The Army Chief highlighted that trust between the two sides is critical to determining troop deployment along the LAC.

“Trust between both sides has to have a new understanding… Troop deployment is directly dependent on the trust factor,” the Army Chief said.

Troops Remain Robust at LAC

Gen. Dwivedi emphasized that the situation along the northern borders remains “sensitive but stable.” He noted that in October 2024, tensions in the Demchok and Depsang areas were resolved, with patrolling and grazing activities resuming. However, he assured that troop deployment at the LAC remains “robust” and fully prepared for any eventuality. This decision to resume patrolling followed diplomatic and military discussions, including a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir

Gen. Dwivedi also addressed the rise in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that Pakistan remains the “epicentre of terrorism.” He noted that approximately 60% of terrorism in North Kashmir and 80% in the Jammu region has been carried out by terrorists from Pakistan. Despite this, he pointed to positive developments, including the peaceful conduct of elections and growing tourism in the region. “The Indian Army’s bid to take the region from ‘terrorism to tourism’ is materializing gradually,” he said.

Myanmar Border and Fencing Progress

Finally, Gen. Dwivedi touched upon the security situation at the India-Myanmar border, where he acknowledged that a “spillover is taking place.” He confirmed that fencing efforts along the border are progressing, addressing potential threats from the region.

Ladakh Sanctuary to Host Defence Projects with Environmental Conditions

January 11, 2025, 3:32 pm

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has granted clearance for 11 proposals by the Ministry of Defence to construct strategic infrastructure in protected areas of Ladakh, located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. These projects aim to enhance military capabilities, including telecom networks and ammunition storage facilities, within sensitive wildlife regions.

Defence Ministry’s Proposed Infrastructure

The approved proposals include the construction of an infantry battalion camp, an artillery regiment post, Army signals mobile telecommunication towers, boat shed areas, a formation ammunition storage facility (FASF), and traffic control posts. The NBWL’s standing committee, led by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, cleared the proposals during its meeting last month. The Changthang High Altitude Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary will host ten of the proposed facilities, while one will be located in the Karakorum Nubra Shyok Wildlife Sanctuary at Turtuk Zangpal.

Environmental Safeguards for Wildlife

Both Changthang and Karakorum sanctuaries are home to rare wildlife species such as the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, Tibetan wild ass, and Tibetan wolf. Additionally, various bird species inhabit these regions. Despite the strategic importance of these projects, the NBWL has stipulated that the Defence Ministry must comply with specific conditions to minimize environmental damage. The ministry is required to ensure that the construction does not harm the landscape or disrupt local habitats, emphasizing the preservation of the delicate ecosystems in these areas.

Among the approved projects within Changthang is the construction of a waste disposal and processing plant in Hanle village. These projects reflect the ongoing balance between national security needs and wildlife conservation efforts in India’s border areas.

China continues to grow infrastructure along LAC, Why & how?

April 29, 2024, 1:21 pm

Four years into the face-to-face military confrontation in eastern Ladakh, China continues to intensify its military presence and infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite sporadic disengagements, recent satellite imagery and intelligence reports reveal persistent Chinese activity across all sectors of the 3,488-km border from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

Infrastructure Development

China has been relentlessly constructing border infrastructure, including roads and dual-use ‘Xiaokang’ villages, strengthening military positions, deploying additional aircraft, and enhancing logistical support in areas facing India. Recent developments include the completion of a strategic road from Samzungling to Galwan Valley, providing a shorter route for troop mobilization. Additionally, buffer zones created after previous clashes have not halted China’s efforts to fortify its positions.

Strategic Moves

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has strategically focused on enhancing last-mile connectivity to forward positions through roads, bridges, tunnels, and helipads. It has also bolstered its military capability with new bunkers, camps, underground shelters, artillery positions, radar sites, and ammunition dumps along the LAC, especially in disputed areas like Pangong Tso, the Kailash range, and Gogra-Hot Springs.

Eastern Sector Focus

The eastern sector, including regions like Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Naku La in north Sikkim, has witnessed increased PLA activity. China’s efforts extend to offsetting air combat disadvantages due to high-altitude terrain by deploying additional fighters, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, and drones, supported by upgraded airfields with extended runways and advanced facilities.

Dual-Use Villages and Military Deployments

China’s strategy includes the construction of dual-use ‘Xiaokang’ border villages, reinforcing military positions while asserting territorial claims. This has led to the establishment of 628 such villages along the Tibetan Autonomous Region border with India and Bhutan. Despite potential disengagements at persisting face-off sites, PLA’s forward deployments along the LAC remain substantial and enduring.

Implications and Response

India has responded with ‘mirror military deployments’ and significant infrastructure development along its frontier. However, the continuous buildup by China underscores the enduring nature of the border standoff and the complex strategic dynamics at play.

As tensions persist along the India-China border, the ongoing military buildup by China highlights the challenges in achieving lasting peace and resolution in the region. Both countries’ strategic moves and countermeasures continue to shape the evolving interactions of this longstanding confrontation.

India-China Standoff : China constructing New villages near LAC in Uttarakhand

May 26, 2023, 1:49 pm

China has reportedly been constructing border defence villages near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Uttarakhand, according to sources. This development comes amidst the ongoing border standoff between China and India. The border villages, consisting of around 250 homes, are being built approximately 11 kilometers away from the LAC.

The purpose of these villages is presumed to be enhancing China’s presence and control in the border region. The move raises concerns about China’s intentions and its impact on the security dynamics in the area. The construction of these border defence villages indicates China’s proactive measures to fortify its positions and assert territorial claims. India has been keeping a close watch on such developments and is expected to address the issue diplomatically to ensure border stability and security. The situation underscores the continuing tensions and complexities in the China-India border region.

With around 250 homes being built 11 kilometers from the LAC, it indicates China’s efforts to strengthen its presence. India will likely address the issue diplomatically to ensure border stability amid ongoing tensions.

India, China agree to maintain security, stability along western sector of LAC

April 24, 2023, 10:28 pm

India, China during the 18th round of Corps Commander Level Meeting, agreed to maintain security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector of the LAC.

The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest. The 18th round of India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side on Sunday.

“A frank and in-depth discussion was held between the two sides on the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector so as to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas, which will enable progress in bilateral relations,” official release said.

From the Indian side, the meeting was led by Fire and Fury Corps Commander Lt Gen Rashim Bali and an equivalent rank officer from the Chinese side, defence sources told ANI.
The meeting took place after a gap of five months. The last meeting between the two sides at the Corps Commander level was held in December last year.

The meeting came as the two sides are engaged in rapid construction activities along the border areas to strengthen their respective positions. The Indian side has been raising the issue of the Depsang plains, Demchok and disengagement by both sides repeatedly.

The corps commander-level talks started to resolve the matters between the two sides in the eastern Ladakh area after the Chinese side tried to alter the status quo on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) by aggressively moving forward with heavy weaponry and a large number of troops in 2020 during the initial period of the Covid pandemic.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande visits troops along LAC in Arunachal

January 23, 2023, 12:01 pm

General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS),on Sunday paid visit to troops and formations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh. Army Chief Pande received a briefing on the security environment and operational readiness.

Officials stated on Monday that the CoAS “complimented troops for maintaining keen vigil and also advised everybody to continue working with the same passion and commitment.”

General Pande’s visit occurred more than a month after an altercation between Indian and Chinese forces on the LAC in the Tawang area of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9.

The Indian Army stated in a statement in December: “On December 9, PLA soldiers made contact with the LAC in the Tawang Sector, which was fiercely resisted by our (Indian) troops. A few staff members from both sides of this confrontation suffered minor injuries.”

“Right away, all participants left the area. Following the incident, the local (Indian) commander had a flag conference with his counterpart to examine the matter in light of the established procedures for reestablishing calm and harmony “It read.

There are places of different perception along the LAC in the Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh, where both sides police the area up to respective claim lines. According to reports, this has been the pattern since 2006.

The recent clashes along the LAC are a signal of a new normal that is a militarised LAC.

Situation on China border ‘stable but unpredictable’, says Army Chief Pande

January 12, 2023, 4:32 pm

Addressing the annual Army Day on Thursday Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande said the situation along the northern borders with China is under control but remains ‘unpredictable’.

Indian Army Chief Pande further stated that between the two armed forces, five of the seven thorny issues have been presented on the table.

“Though unpredictable, the situation at the northern borders is stable and under control. We have been able to resolve five of the seven issues on the table in the talk as our preparedness is of very high level and we have enough reserves to deal with any contingency,” Army chief General Manoj Pande said.

Meanwhile, Army Chief Pande further stressed the need to ‘remain alert’.

“The ceasefire is holding well on the Pakistan border but the support to terror infrastructure and terror groups still remains. There is a marked reduction in the parameters of violence. Hence. we have to remain alert,” Pande said.

Moreover, Pande further said that in most of the states in the northeast peace has returned.

Speaking on Army Day which is on 15 January Army Chief Pande said, “This Army Day is special as it is also the 75th year of India’s Independence. We are also fully aligned with the future national vision. We have decided to undertake a transformation.”

However, Army Chief Pande also said, in the Indian Army’s Corps of Artillery women officers might be commissioned soon.

“We also have the Army Martial Arts Routine which will help in dealing with combat situations. It is an amalgamation of different martial arts in the country,” Pande said.

S Jaishankar lambasted China for trying to unilaterally change LAC

January 3, 2023, 2:59 pm

External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar criticized China on Monday for trying to unilaterally change the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

While giving an interview Jaishankar said, “We had an agreement not to unilaterally change the LAC, which they have tried to unilaterally do. So there is, I think, an issue, a perception that we have which derives directly from our experiences.”

Meanwhile, in recent years flashpoints have been hosted in the Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake in the west of the LAC.

“I think there’s a larger concern based on our experiences. The concern is that we had agreements with China not to amass forces in our border areas, and they have not observed those agreements, which is why we have the currently tense situation that we do,” Jaishankar said.

Earlier on 20 December at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side, the 17th Round of Corps Commander Level Meeting was held in India and China.

Moreover, Jaishankar further said, China may blame India for not following the agreements but in the satellite pictures it is very clear who was at the fault.

“Now, where else the status quo may change or not change? I would hesitate as a foreign minister to predict publicly. I may have my own views and assessments, but I certainly can share my experience. And my experience is that written agreements were not observed and that we have seen levels of military pressure, which, in our view, has no justification. China would say the opposite. They would say that India had not obeyed different agreements. But obviously, no, I think it’s difficult for China to say that. For this reason, the record is very clear, because today there’s a lot of transparency. You have satellite pictures. If you see who moved the forces to the border areas first, I think the record is very clear. So it’s very difficult for China to say what you suggested they could,” Jaishankar said.

“India will probably overtake China as the world’s most populous country within this year. Is this fact of any political significance to India, or is it just a mere statistic? You know, we’ll know that when we reach there, won’t we? Because we have never used numbers in that manner. Maybe other countries have. I would still say it is a statistic to a large extent,” Jaishankar said on overtaking China as the most populous country.

Jaishankar also highlighted the need for reforms in the United Nations and said, “What does it say about the state of the UN? If that is the case? So it’s both a yes and a no. It’s partly a statistic, but I think it’s a statistic that means a lot. For several years, you have called for a permanent seat on the Security Council as if Brazil as Japan, or Germany. How long will it take, from your point of view, till this reform of the Council will actually become reality? Well, ideally, we’d like it yesterday, of course, but the problem, I think, is that those who are today enjoying the benefits of permanent membership clearly are not in a hurry to see the reform. I think it’s a very short-sighted view, in my opinion, because at the end of the day, the credibility of the UN, and frankly, their own interests and effectiveness, is at stake. So my sense is it will take some time, hopefully not too much time.”

“I can see a growing body of opinion among UN members who believe that there must be change. It’s not just us. You have entire Africa, entire Latin America left out developing countries vastly underrepresented, I think, the state of the world. This was an organization invented in 1945. It’s 2023. And when you would have to guess for a year when this will happen, what would it be? No, I wouldn’t guess, because I know the complexities of this process. It’s a tough one. I would be honest with you. It’s a tough one. But I don’t think we should give up because it’s a tough one. On the contrary, because it’s a tough one, we should actually up the ante, increase the feeling in bad parts of the world that this reform is essential,” Jaishankar said on the UN is not represented evenly.

Rajnath Singh to visit Arunachal Pradesh to launch key infra projects

January 3, 2023, 10:56 am

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Arunachal comes a month after Indian and Chinese troops clashed at the LAC (Line Of Actual Control). He is to inaugurate various Border Roads Organisation projects (BRO) projects. The most significant of these is the 100-metre-long Siyom bridge over the river Siyom as it will provide a strategic advantage to the military in mobilising troops and heavy equipment.

Lt Gen Kalita breaks silence on India-China Tawang clash

December 16, 2022, 12:54 pm

Taking note of the recent border clash between Indian troops and Chinese soldiers General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command, Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita breaks his silence on Friday.

Meanwhile, Kalita said, the transgression by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) patrol was “contested firmly”. The flag meeting at a delegation level helped to resolve the matter.

The clash between Indian troops and Chinese troops took place in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh.

The top minister said, “You all are aware that all across the border there are different perceptions in the Line of Actual Control (LAC), there are eight recognized disputed areas where the different perceptions are acknowledged by both sides. So in one of those areas, where there are different perceptions of the LAC, PLA patrol transgressed and which was contested very firmly.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Union Defence minister Rajnath Singh said, in the Line of Actual Control in the Yangtse area of Arunachal Pradesh Tawang Sector China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops tried to transgress.

Rajnath Singh stated, “Our forces are committed to protecting our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt made on it.”

“On December 9, 2022, PLA troops tried to transgress the LAC in the Yangtse area of Tawang Sector and unilaterally change the status quo. The Chinese attempt was contested by our troops firmly and resolutely,” Rajnath Singh said.

Union Defense minister further said, “The ensuing face-off led to a physical scuffle in which the Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from transgressing into our territory and compelled them to return to their posts,” said Singh. He further said, “the scuffle led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides.”

Rajnath Singh clarified and said, “There are no fatalities or serious casualties on our side. Due to the timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers went back to their locations.”

Moreover, on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of Vijay Diwas Lt Gen RP Kalita’s remarks came.

However, Lt Gen RP Kalita also requested people to not believe any rumors about the incident.

“I am happy to say that it was contained at the local level. Though some minor injuries were there to soldiers of both sides. I would also like to request you not to listen to any rumors, it was only minor injuries to soldiers from both sides,” Kalita said.

“The local Commanders were able to resolve the issue by carrying out negotiations resorting to the existing protocols, which was followed by a flag meeting at the delegation level at Bumla, wherein the issue has been resolved further. Presently, I would like to assure you that the border areas along the northern frontier are stable and we are firmly in control,” Kalita said.

17 Opposition parties walkout from Rajya Sabha

December 14, 2022, 1:17 pm

Over the India-China border clash as many as 17 opposition parties walked out from the Rajya Sabha as the opposition’s demanded to discuss the India-China border clash. The clash happened on 9 December between Indian and Chinese troops at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector.

Congress President Kharge’s chairs meeting with opposition leaders

December 14, 2022, 11:52 am

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge convened a meeting with floor leaders of opposition parties ahead of the day’s Parliament Session on Wednesday. The meeting was held to discuss the December 9 face-off between Indian and Chinese troops at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector. Meanwhile, at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s chambers, a meeting was held to strategize the plan on India-China tussle and other issues in the House.

China used ‘unorthodox weapons’ to change status quo at LAC, says MoD

January 5, 2021, 3:12 am

The People Liberation Army (PLA) of China used “unorthodox weapons”, besides “amassing large number of troops”, to change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, said the Defence Ministry in its yearend review. The review also accuses the Chinese forces of making unilateral and provocative actions to change the status quo by force, in more than one area on the LAC.

“Indian Army has maintained all protocols and Agreements between the two countries while the PLA escalated the situation by utilisation of unorthodox weapons and amassing large number of troops,” the ministry said.

The yearend review stated that Indian Army with assistance from the Air Force, mobilised troops in a very short duration including heavy equipment like guns, tanks as also ammunition, rations and clothing.

“Our engineers constructed roads, accommodation shelters and bridges to assist troop deployment,” said the ministry adding that in a major skirmish in Galwan, 20 brave Indian soldiers lost their lives while preventing PLA troops from ingressing into our territory.

The Chinese also suffered significant casualties, the review said.

Later on 28-29 August 2020, Indian troops in a precautionary deployment, pre-empted Chinese expansionist designs and occupied heights along the southern bank of Pangong Tso. “Braving inclement weather, own troops continue to be deployed on these heights,” news agency IANS quoted the review pointed as saying.

Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) and winter preparations for the enhanced strength has been completed and troops are well entrenched to counter any misadventure by Chinese forces.

The ministry in its review also said that India categorically conveyed China that any attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo at the border is unacceptable and that India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also stated that to make the Indian Army future-ready, budgetary constraints for capability development and meeting other requirements have been removed.

India and China are engaged in a nine-month-long standoff at the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Despite several levels of dialogue, there has not been any breakthrough and the deadlock continues.

The eighth round of military talks between both the countries happened on 6 November and there was no breakthrough. WITH IANS INPUTS

INDIA, CHINA IN TALKS TO HOLD 9TH ROUND OF COMMANDER LEVEL MEET

January 1, 2021, 3:24 am

The Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Sr. Colonel Tan Kefei said on Thursday that China and India are in consultations to hold the ninth round of Corps Commander-level meeting to discuss the disengagement of troops from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

In a media briefing, Tan said that the two sides have maintained consultations on disengagement of frontline troops and strengthened management of border troops. China is willing to maintain communication with India through military and diplomatic channels, he said. The situation in the border areas is generally stable, he said, according to a transcript posted on the Chinese Defence Ministry website.

The last military talks between India and China at Chushul in Eastern Ladakh to resolve the border dispute and de-escalation of forces ended in a stalemate. The soldiers of both countries will remain exposed to minus 20 degrees Celsius temperature.

“There was no headway during the talks as China was not ready to withdraw from the disputed position. We had made it clear there is no going back an inch,” said a government source. “We have firmly stated to China that disengagement will happen at all friction points and not at the selected locations as they want,” the source said.

HEAVY CHINESE MISSILE DEPLOYMENT NEAR LADAKH, INDIA READY: IAF CHIEF

December 30, 2020, 2:43 am

New Delhi: China has conducted heavy deployment of missiles and radars in support of the aggression by its Army along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria said on Tuesday, adding that his service has taken all the required actions to handle the situation.

The IAF Chief was addressing a webinar on ‘National Security Challenges and Air Power’ organised by Vivekanand International Foundation.

Bhadauria said, “China has deployed heavily along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in support of their army. They have a large presence of radars, surface to air missiles and surface to surface missiles. Their deployment has been strong.”

The Chinese Air Force has deployed its indigenous fighter jets including J-20 and J-10 along with the Russian-origin SU-30 close to Indian territory in Tibet. They have also activated their air defence systems including the S-400 acquired from Russia.

The Indian Air Force has deployed its frontline fighters including the Rafale and the MiG-29 in the Ladakh sector at multiple bases and is ready to respond to any misadventure by the Chinese side.

The Indian Air Force swift action has acted as a strong deterrent against the Chinese and Pakistan both as they had flown sorties in the Ladakh sector around the time a Chinese aircraft was trying to violate Indian airspace in May when the conflict had started to be noticed by people in general.

On the counteraction from the Indian side, the IAF Chief emphasised, “We have taken all actions required to be taken… Our western border is active since the establishment of Pakistan, now new fronts, areas are also active.” Bhadauria said any serious India-China conflict is not good for China on the global front. If Chinese aspirations are global then it does not suit their grand plan.

He also that Pakistan is becoming a pawn in Chinese policy and Beijing could use it to enter Afghanistan after the exit of US forces. “Pakistan is increasingly becoming a pawn in Chinese policy. Under the increased CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) debt trap, we are going to further witness (its) military dependency.”

About China using Pakistan to gain entry into the war-torn Afghanistan after the exit of US forces, he said: “US exit from Afghanistan has opened options for China in the region, both direct and through Pakistan, allowing it entry into Central Asia, a region they have been eyeing for long.”