LAC tensions must end for better ties
Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing last week marking another step towards restoring normalcy between the two nations.
Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing last week marking another step towards restoring normalcy between the two nations.
Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi today firmly stated that India will not reduce its troop deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during the winter months. Traditionally, troop numbers would decrease due to harsh climatic conditions, but he emphasized that India is not considering any such reduction this winter.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India and China have other challenges to address, including de-escalation of forces, once the disengagement process at the LAC is completed.
The Indo-China relationship embodies a rich tapestry of ancient ties entwined with modern complexities. While historically interconnected, recent decades have been marred by territorial disputes, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that the Union government would continue the process of the restoration of peace along the LAC on the basis of consensus achieved with China.
At a media briefing here, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said it was China's provocative behaviour and unilateral attempts by it to alter status quo in contravention of all bilateral agreements that resulted in serious disturbance of peace and tranquility along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.
"...required measures including infrastructure development such as the construction of roads, tunnels and strategic railway lines are being undertaken to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India"
He interacted extensively with the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and General Reserve Engineer Force personnel deployed in the remote areas.
Naravane also said that India is keeping an eye on the developments on the Chinese side.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar insisted in his discussion with his Chinese counterpart that it was necessary for the two countries to disengage at all friction points in eastern Ladakh in order to achieve de-escalation.
