“We are ensuring that the readaptation of troops, combat reserves, logistics bases and ammunition depots due to adverse weather and terrain conditions does not hinder our response times and our ability to handle any emergency,” he said on Wednesday in TOI a senior army officer.
Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh last week, the first such encounter between neighbors since the deadly incident in Galwan Valley in June 2020. At least six Indian soldiers are believed to have sustained injuries and are being treated at the army hospital in Guwahati.
The incident occurred on December 9 after 300-400 soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) crossed the Line of Effective Control (LAC), which was “contested” by the Indian soldiers deployed there “firmly and resolutely”, forcing the Chinese to retreat.
Here are the latest developments:
Tap to expand and read moreGen Naravane on China’s ‘salami-slicing’ tactic along LAC
Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane said China’s attempts to change the status quo on the LAC by resorting to “salami slicing” tactics led to a “more assertive” response from the Indian government. ‘Indian Army. “China has been trying to alter the status quo along the LAC for many years, decades in fact, and it’s been doing it in very small incremental steps that by themselves don’t seem very dangerous. They seem harmless enough. What we call salami slicing, going up by one centimeter at a time. But in the deal over a period of time they gained a lot. That is the tactic they have adopted and continue to do,” General Naravane said.
The IAF will begin exercises in the northeast from today
The Indian Air Force will conduct a two-day exercise in the northeast involving nearly all of its frontline fighters and other assets deployed in the region. Sources said the exercise is meant to test the IAF’s overall combat capability and military readiness in the region. The sources said that IAF frontline fighters, including Sukhoi-30MKIs and Rafale jets, will be part of the exercise in addition to several other platforms deployed in the region. All frontline airbases and some key Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in the northeast will be involved in the exercise, a source said.
“PLA wanted to create a seat on LAC”
As in Galwan, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was planning to set up an observation post (OP) on the LAC, IANS said, citing a senior army officer seconded to the region. “It is already very cold there. Within the next two weeks, all areas near the LAC will be under several feet of snow. On the Indian side, final preparations are underway to supply our forward positions with adequate supplies. There is also a lot of troop movement. The PLA is certainly interested in learning more about our winter preparations, hence the decision to set up the OP,” said the army officer, who is not identified in the IANS report.
“Renewing the Procurement Process for Mountain Troops”
Calling for an “urgent revamp” of the entire procurement and procurement process for high-altitude Army deployments, a parliamentary group had said there should be no “gap” in the provision of clothing, equipment, rations and specialized accommodation for soldiers engaged in safeguarding the country’s borders in difficult weather conditions. Pointing out the excessive delays in procuring winter clothing for soldiers at high altitudes and implementing the project to improve their housing conditions, the public accounts committee said on Wednesday that the defense ministry should find ways and means to reduce time in procurement processes.
Opposition to keep up the pressure on the government in Parliament
The opposition will continue to press for a discussion in Parliament on the Indo-China border tensions, in the belief that it emerges between the parties that “details are scarce” on what is a matter of serious national importance and the government must take into consideration the country trust. Like-minded parties are likely to issue a joint statement on Thursday, detailing their concerns about China, but also criticizing the government for “withholding” discussions on important topics they want to raise in the short winter session.
The United States pledges its support to India
The United States on Tuesday pledged support to India in border clashes with China, accusing Beijing of being “provocative” towards US allies and its partners in the Indo-Pacific region, and pledged to remain committed to ensuring their safety. The US assurance came in response to a question at a Pentagon briefing on clashes between Chinese and Indian troops, with a reporter specifically seeking to know if the Pentagon is concerned this could lead to a broader military confrontation and whether the US is willing to provide more military support to India to help it deal with China’s military threats.
The head of the United Nations calls for an easing of tensions
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has called for an easing of tensions between India and China. This was stated by Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations. “We have seen these reports. We are calling for a de-escalation and to ensure that tensions in that area do not escalate,” Stephane Dujarric said in the press briefing.
(With agency input)
