News Analysis India

Tag: India-China standoff

  • After Galwan, China Accepted That India No Longer A Weak Nation: Rajnath Singh |

    Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a visit to the United Kingdom, has said that India has changed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and even countries like China, who used to consider India a frail economy, have changed their perception about New Delhi. Addressing the Indian diaspora in Britain, Rajnath Singh said that China’s perception of India has changed drastically.

    #BreakingNews: लंदन में रक्षामंत्री राजनाथ सिंह का बड़ा बयान, कहा- डोकलाम के बाद चीन ने भारत का लोहा माना #RajnathSingh #China #London #Britain | @supreetanchor @thakur_shivangi pic.twitter.com/uLMGnS3DQ8


    — Zee News (@ZeeNews) January 11, 2024

    Singh also said that after the Galwan standoff, China conceded that India is no longer a weak nation. “China is considered as the opponent of India. We don’t consider China as our opponent, maybe China considers so. However, we wish to cultivate good ties with all our neighbours and countries across the globe…In 2020, a faceoff happened between India and China, and the bravery that was shown by our security forces, maybe that is the reason why China’s perspective about India has changed. They realised that India is not weak anymore,” said Singh.

    #WATCH | London, UK: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, ” China is considered as the opponent of China, we don’t consider China as our opponent, maybe China considers so. We don’t consider anyone as our opponent…in 2020, a faceoff happened between India and China, and the… pic.twitter.com/2oG9GqTHH0


    — ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2024

    Citing a recent article published in the Chinese state-controlled Global Times, Singh said, “A columnist for the Global Times, which, in a way, is a mouthpiece for China, published an article with the headline ‘What I see about Bharat narrative in India’. This article is a ringing affirmation of the changing Chinese perspective on India. It seems the Chinese government has come to accept that our economic and foreign policies, as well as our changing strategic interests, have helped Bharat emerge as a key global economic player and a strategic power.” 

    Addressing community reception at the India House in London, Singh said that the Chinese analyst also noted that Beijing now accepts that whether you like Bharat or not, India’s image and rising global standing can no longer be ignored. 

  • Congress Accuses Modi Govt Of Insulting Martyrs After War Memorial On Chinese Border ‘Demolished’ |

    The Congress party today slammed the Narendra Modi-led Central government for bowing down to China after a war memorial built in the honour of a 1962 martyr was allegedly demolished following talks with the Chinese PLA. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took to X (formerly Twitter) saying that the news of the demolition of the war memorial is painful. He also said that while the Modi government closed its ‘red eye’ on China, it also insulted the sacrifice of brave martyrs.

    “The news of the demolition in 2021 of the memorial in Chushul, Ladakh of Major Shaitan Singh, the brave son of Mother India and recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the great hero of the 1962 Rezang-La war, is extremely painful. According to reports, was this done because, after talks with China, Indian territory has now become the buffer zone? The one sentence comment by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India says nothing,” said Kharge.

    He further said, “Why even after 20 meetings between Modi ji and Xi Jinping since 2014, the Modi government has failed to make India maintain the status quo just like before May 2020 on its share on Depsang Plain, Pangong Tso, Demchowk and Gogra-Hotspring areas?”

    चीन पर “लाल ऑंख” तो ली मूँद,
    अपमानित की वीर जाँबाज़ों के बलिदान की हर बूँद !

    भारत माता के वीर सपूत एवं परम वीर चक्र से सम्मानित, 1962 रेजांग-ला युद्ध के महानायक, मेजर शैतान सिंह के चुशूल, लद्दाख स्थित मेमोरियल को 2021 में ध्वस्त किये जाने की ख़बर बेहद पीड़ादायक है।

    1. ख़बरों… pic.twitter.com/fFiCiHI3np
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 30, 2023

    Kharge also asked whether it’s not true that after the sacrifice of lives of 20 army personnel in Galwan, Modi ji gave a clean chit to China. “The supreme sacrifice of 113 brave soldiers for the defence of Rezang La by C Company of 13 Kumaon under the leadership of Major Shaitan Singh is the pride of the country. By demolishing his memorial, the BJP has once again proved to the country that it is a fake patriot. It is sad that this government has surrendered to Chinese plans,” said Kharge.

    This landmark at Rezang-La held immense significance, honoring the courageous soldiers of “C” Coy 13 Kumaon. Sadly, it had to be dismantled during the disengagement process as it falls in the buffer zone. Let’s remember and honor their bravery!  #RezangLa #Kumaon #BraveSoldiers pic.twitter.com/UILzTeNYsi
    — Konchok Stanzin (@kstanzinladakh) December 25, 2023

    Kharge’s remarks came after Konchok Stanzin, Councillor Chushul, broke the news a few days ago on X. “This landmark at Rezang-La held immense significance, honoring the courageous soldiers of “C” Coy 13 Kumaon. Sadly, it had to be dismantled during the disengagement process as it falls in the buffer zone. Let’s remember and honor their bravery!” he said.

  • Jaishankar says ties with China cannot be normal if Beijing continues trying to change LAC

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India’s relations with China cannot be normal as long as Beijing tries to unilaterally change LAC and continues to build up forces along the border, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

    Replying to queries by MPs after his suo motu statement on foreign policy in Rajya Sabha, the minister said India has made it clear to China that it will not tolerate any unilateral change in the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

    “Diplomatically, we have been very clear. We have been very clear with the Chinese that we will not tolerate any unilaterally change to the Line of Actual Control. And that so long as they continue to seek to do that, and if they have built up forces, which in our minds constitute a serious concern in the border areas, then our relationship is not normal,” he said.

    READ HERE | As trust deficit with China stays, India beefs up LAC deployment

    China is reported to have built up military infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh.

    Earlier this year, a top US general had described the Chinese activity along the LAC as eye-opening.

    “And the abnormality of that (relations) has been in evidence in the last few years,” Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

    He said the military commanders of the two countries continue to engage each other.

    “I think given the sensitivity of that matter, it is something which is left to the military commanders to deal with,” he said.

    He went on to add that the House should be understanding of the national sensitivity of such a delicate matter.

    ALSO READ | India dismisses China’s concerns on military exercise with US in Uttarakhand

    Last month, the minister stated that the current standoff on the LAC has been “mischievously conflated” with resolving the boundary question.

    Relations between the two countries can only become sustainable on the basis of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest, he had said.

    The Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have been locked in a standoff in multiple areas along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since May 2020.

    NEW DELHI: India’s relations with China cannot be normal as long as Beijing tries to unilaterally change LAC and continues to build up forces along the border, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

    Replying to queries by MPs after his suo motu statement on foreign policy in Rajya Sabha, the minister said India has made it clear to China that it will not tolerate any unilateral change in the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

    “Diplomatically, we have been very clear. We have been very clear with the Chinese that we will not tolerate any unilaterally change to the Line of Actual Control. And that so long as they continue to seek to do that, and if they have built up forces, which in our minds constitute a serious concern in the border areas, then our relationship is not normal,” he said.

    READ HERE | As trust deficit with China stays, India beefs up LAC deployment

    China is reported to have built up military infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh.

    Earlier this year, a top US general had described the Chinese activity along the LAC as eye-opening.

    “And the abnormality of that (relations) has been in evidence in the last few years,” Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

    He said the military commanders of the two countries continue to engage each other.

    “I think given the sensitivity of that matter, it is something which is left to the military commanders to deal with,” he said.

    He went on to add that the House should be understanding of the national sensitivity of such a delicate matter.

    ALSO READ | India dismisses China’s concerns on military exercise with US in Uttarakhand

    Last month, the minister stated that the current standoff on the LAC has been “mischievously conflated” with resolving the boundary question.

    Relations between the two countries can only become sustainable on the basis of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest, he had said.

    The Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have been locked in a standoff in multiple areas along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since May 2020.

  • Ladakh airfield to get upgrade for fighter aircraft ops amid reports of China’s infra works

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Amid reports of China building new military infrastructure on its side, India is soon going to begin the construction work for upgrading its Nyoma advanced landing ground for fighter aircraft operations less than 50 kilometres from the LAC in eastern Ladakh, said Indian Army officials on Thursday.

    The Nyoma airfield has been used for the transportation of men and materiel during the ongoing stand-off with China and has seen operations of Chinook heavy-lift choppers and C-130J Special Operations aircraft.

    “The ALG is going to be soon upgraded for fighter aircraft operations as most of the required clearances and approvals have come already. As per plans, the construction of the new airfield and the military infrastructure would be done by the Border Roads Organisation,” senior defence officials told ANI.

    The capability of operating fighter aircraft from this area would strengthen the Air Force’s ability to tackle any misadventures by the adversary in a faster way.

    The inauguration of the construction work is expected to begin soon in the eastern Ladakh sector after the clearances by the Modi government in the area, they said.

    READ HERE | Situation has not returned to normal: MEA on eastern Ladakh border row

    India has been considering multiple options for developing airfields in eastern Ladakh including Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), Fukche and Nyoma which are at a distance of a few minutes from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

    The Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) has seen operations of the Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and the Garud special forces operations from Mi-17 helicopters.

    Recently, IAF Group Captain Ajay Rathi explained the importance of having an advanced landing ground such as Nyoma.

    “Nyoma ALG has strategic importance due to its close proximity to the Line of Actual Control. It bridges the critical gap between Leh airfield and the LAC enabling quick movement of men and material in eastern Ladakh, overcoming terrain friction,” Rathi had said.

    The Nyoma airbase Chief Operations Officer said the ALG will “further help in quicker access to the heights and sustenance operations thereafter. The air operations infrastructure at Nyoma enhances the operations capability of forces.”

    ALSO READ | India had ‘very difficult’ two-and-a-half-years in its ties with China: Jaishankar

    The Air Force also has deployed the Igla man-portable air defence missiles to tackle any aerial incursion by any adversary aircraft.

    The Indian Air Force has been regularly deploying fighter aircraft including the Rafale and MiG-29s to carry out operations in eastern Ladakh where there has been disengagement of troops at multiple locations

    The Chinese have been amassing troops since 2020 and carried out aggression in the garb of an exercise after which the Indian security forces retaliated in equal measure and checked the Chinese aggression there.

    The Indian Air Force is also continuing to maintain its assets in Leh along with a massive upgrade of capabilities in the area.

    NEW DELHI: Amid reports of China building new military infrastructure on its side, India is soon going to begin the construction work for upgrading its Nyoma advanced landing ground for fighter aircraft operations less than 50 kilometres from the LAC in eastern Ladakh, said Indian Army officials on Thursday.

    The Nyoma airfield has been used for the transportation of men and materiel during the ongoing stand-off with China and has seen operations of Chinook heavy-lift choppers and C-130J Special Operations aircraft.

    “The ALG is going to be soon upgraded for fighter aircraft operations as most of the required clearances and approvals have come already. As per plans, the construction of the new airfield and the military infrastructure would be done by the Border Roads Organisation,” senior defence officials told ANI.

    The capability of operating fighter aircraft from this area would strengthen the Air Force’s ability to tackle any misadventures by the adversary in a faster way.

    The inauguration of the construction work is expected to begin soon in the eastern Ladakh sector after the clearances by the Modi government in the area, they said.

    READ HERE | Situation has not returned to normal: MEA on eastern Ladakh border row

    India has been considering multiple options for developing airfields in eastern Ladakh including Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), Fukche and Nyoma which are at a distance of a few minutes from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

    The Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) has seen operations of the Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and the Garud special forces operations from Mi-17 helicopters.

    Recently, IAF Group Captain Ajay Rathi explained the importance of having an advanced landing ground such as Nyoma.

    “Nyoma ALG has strategic importance due to its close proximity to the Line of Actual Control. It bridges the critical gap between Leh airfield and the LAC enabling quick movement of men and material in eastern Ladakh, overcoming terrain friction,” Rathi had said.

    The Nyoma airbase Chief Operations Officer said the ALG will “further help in quicker access to the heights and sustenance operations thereafter. The air operations infrastructure at Nyoma enhances the operations capability of forces.”

    ALSO READ | India had ‘very difficult’ two-and-a-half-years in its ties with China: Jaishankar

    The Air Force also has deployed the Igla man-portable air defence missiles to tackle any aerial incursion by any adversary aircraft.

    The Indian Air Force has been regularly deploying fighter aircraft including the Rafale and MiG-29s to carry out operations in eastern Ladakh where there has been disengagement of troops at multiple locations

    The Chinese have been amassing troops since 2020 and carried out aggression in the garb of an exercise after which the Indian security forces retaliated in equal measure and checked the Chinese aggression there.

    The Indian Air Force is also continuing to maintain its assets in Leh along with a massive upgrade of capabilities in the area.

  • India and China complete and verify disengagement at Gogra Hotsprings

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The standoff at Patrolling Point 15 at Gogra-Hotsprings is over with the troops shifting away from forward deployment at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh.

    Sources said on Tuesday that “Both sides have completed the disengagement of the troops in a phased and coordinated manner.” It was verified from both sides, added the sources.

    With this disengagement, the troops on both sides have returned to their designated areas.

    As per the agreement, the disengagement process in this area started on September 8, 2022, at 0830.

    The agreement also included that all temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides will be dismantled and mutually verified. The landforms in the area will be restored to pre-stand-off period by both sides.

    “The agreement ensures that the LAC in this area will be strictly observed and respected by both sides, and that there will be no unilateral change in status quo.”Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, had informed on September 9.

    More talks are expected in the future as “both sides mutually agreed to take the talks forward and resolve the remaining issues along LAC and restore peace and tranquility in India-China border areas.”, Bagchi said earlier.

    With this, the standoffs existing since cMay 2020 at Galwan, North and South Banks of Pangong Tso, Gogra and Hotsprings are complete.

    ALSO READ | India-China ties are tense, situation may turn dangerous: S Jaishankar

    Meanwhile, the standoff continues at Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh and calling the standoff sensitive the uniformed personnel cautioned to desist from calling them a legacy issue as it’s “not right”.

    As reported earlier by this newspaper, “The Chinese troops are pitched at the Y- Junction in Depsang which is about 20kms from strategic airfield Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO). With this the PLA is blocking around 100 sq kms in this area as Indian troops are unable to patrol points 10, 11, 11A, 12 & 13 (avg distance between points 10-15 kms).

    The other standoff remains at the Charding Ninglung Nallah in Demchok with around three tends pitched across. The LAC Passes through CNN.

    But there is no Decline in Troops in the area as with the PP 15 disengagement the troops have moved back from forward deployment but they remain in the area. There are more than 50,000 troops from each side with their artillery guns, armoured vehicles and added equipment. Both India and China have by now developed a smooth logistics line and habitat for their troops.

    NEW DELHI: The standoff at Patrolling Point 15 at Gogra-Hotsprings is over with the troops shifting away from forward deployment at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh.

    Sources said on Tuesday that “Both sides have completed the disengagement of the troops in a phased and coordinated manner.” It was verified from both sides, added the sources.

    With this disengagement, the troops on both sides have returned to their designated areas.

    As per the agreement, the disengagement process in this area started on September 8, 2022, at 0830.

    The agreement also included that all temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides will be dismantled and mutually verified. The landforms in the area will be restored to pre-stand-off period by both sides.

    “The agreement ensures that the LAC in this area will be strictly observed and respected by both sides, and that there will be no unilateral change in status quo.”Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, had informed on September 9.

    More talks are expected in the future as “both sides mutually agreed to take the talks forward and resolve the remaining issues along LAC and restore peace and tranquility in India-China border areas.”, Bagchi said earlier.

    With this, the standoffs existing since cMay 2020 at Galwan, North and South Banks of Pangong Tso, Gogra and Hotsprings are complete.

    ALSO READ | India-China ties are tense, situation may turn dangerous: S Jaishankar

    Meanwhile, the standoff continues at Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh and calling the standoff sensitive the uniformed personnel cautioned to desist from calling them a legacy issue as it’s “not right”.

    As reported earlier by this newspaper, “The Chinese troops are pitched at the Y- Junction in Depsang which is about 20kms from strategic airfield Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO). With this the PLA is blocking around 100 sq kms in this area as Indian troops are unable to patrol points 10, 11, 11A, 12 & 13 (avg distance between points 10-15 kms).

    The other standoff remains at the Charding Ninglung Nallah in Demchok with around three tends pitched across. The LAC Passes through CNN.

    But there is no Decline in Troops in the area as with the PP 15 disengagement the troops have moved back from forward deployment but they remain in the area. There are more than 50,000 troops from each side with their artillery guns, armoured vehicles and added equipment. Both India and China have by now developed a smooth logistics line and habitat for their troops.

  • Resolution of eastern Ladakh row will facilitate bilateral relations: India-China joint statement

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: After another round of high-level military talks, India and China on Saturday affirmed that a resolution of the eastern Ladakh standoff would facilitate progress in bilateral relations besides helping restore peace in the region.

    The two sides also agreed to maintain security and stability on the ground in the region and continue the dialogue through military and diplomatic channels, said a joint statement issued a day after the 15th round of military talks to resolve the 22-month-long standoff at the remaining friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

    “The two sides carried forward their discussions from the previous round held on 12th January 2022 for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector,” the joint statement said.

    “They had a detailed exchange of views in this regard, in keeping with the guidance provided by the State leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest,” it said.

    It further said: “The reaffirmed that such a resolution would help restore peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the Western Sector and facilitate progress in bilateral relations” The two sides also agreed to maintain security and stability on the ground in the region.

    “They agreed to maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest,” the joint statement said.

  • We will have to be prepared to stay at LAC in Eastern Ladakh as long as required: Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane on Wednesday made it clear that while the Chinese have carried out a major enhancement of the troop level and permanent infrastructure build up it remains to be seen whether they will permanently garrison themselves there or they will de-induct in the time to come. And, till then we will have to be prepared to stay.

    Replying to the question of TNIE that whether the Chinese PLA was preparing for permanent deployment Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane addressing the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Press Conference 2022 told, “Amassing of large forces by the Chinese in Eastern Ladakh is the root cause of the situation which developed. Now that they are there and they have made a lot of infrastructure it remains to be seen whether they will permanently garrison themselves there or they will be amenable to some kind of de-induction in times to come.”

    The Army Chief said that the reaching de-indcution will pass through several processes. But, before we reach that level, “we will have to be prepared to stay there as long as it required.”

    As far as the ongoing situation is concerned it will have to follow a few laid out steps. Firstly, it will be dis-engagement, then we can think of a little bit of de-scalation and by that (it means) moving back from being bang on LAC to the areas in depth areas but remaining in the general areas.

    “Once this kind of confidence is built up then we can think of de-induction wherein the troops can go in their permanent garrison.” 

    But, it has to be done mutually, the chief pointed out.

    Talking about the overall border situation Naravane said,the situation that existed last January, “I think we can say, there have been positive developments, both along our Northern and Western Borders in the last one year.”

    The 14th round of talks between the Indian and Chinese Corps Commanders was underway as the Chief was briefing the media.

    “Good thing that talks are going on, it shows that we can resolve our differences through dialogue. Each time we talk we narrow down to the issues, that is why this mechanism is important,” Chief brought out.

    To expect every round of talks to have an outcome is also quite unreasonable, number of rounds will be required to deal with the situation, Chief clarified, “We are hopeful that we will be able to resolve the issue of PP 15 (Hot Springs), the one which is pending as of now. Once that is done, we will go to other issues that predate the current standoff.”

    The other issues include the Depsang and Demchok standoffs.

    But while there has been partial disengagement, the Chief made it clear that “the threat has by no means reduced.”

    Force levels, in areas where dis-engagement is yet to take place, have been adequately enhanced with around 60,000 troops from both sides deployed in Eastern Ladakh and there has been few positives of the surprise standoff which began in May 2020.

    Keeping the incumbent situation, “Up-gradation and development of infrastructure, along the Northern Borders, is being carried out in a holistic, and comprehensive manner, including roads & tunnels, for all weather connectivity, Strategic Railway Lines, additional bridges across the Brahmaputra, up-gradation of bridges on critical, Indo-China Border Roads, and storage for supplies, fuel and ammunition. Major efforts have also been undertaken to identify dual use infrastructure,” said Army Chief.

    Talking about the Line of Control, “after a heightened situation for a prolonged period, the DGMOs Understanding, in February last year, was aimed at achieving mutually beneficial, and sustainable peace, along the LC. Resultantly, the situation has witnessed marked improvement.”

    Indian Army has resolved to show ‘Zero Tolerance’ to terror, and commit ourselves to extract dire costs, should that be forced upon us. There has been, “increase in concentration of terrorists in launch pads, across the LC and repeated infiltration attempts, once again expose their nefarious intents.”

    Elaborating on the situation in the North-Eastern General Naravane said “it remained under control”.

    Which has led to a graduated de-induction, of around two divisions from the counter terrorist duty to their primary duties.

    Chief, said that the crisis on the Northern Borders also had a silver lining. “We have used this crisis as an opportunity to fast-track infrastructure development, undertake doctrinal reviews and make-up operational voids, through Emergency and Fast Track Procurements.”

  • Rahul Gandhi questions PM Modi’s silence over reports of China constructing bridge in Pangong Tso

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over reports of China constructing a bridge on the Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “PM’s silence is deafening. Our land, our people, our borders deserve better,” Gandhi said on Twitter.

    PM’s silence is deafening.Our land, our people, our borders deserve better. pic.twitter.com/YKcNmliiVN
    — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 4, 2022
    He cited a news report claiming that the Chinese have been constructing a bridge on Pangong Tso Lake for over two months which is extremely close to the LAC. The bridge will connect the north and south bank of the lake, the report claimed.

    The Congress party and Gandhi have been critical of the government’s handling of the border situation with China in eastern Ladakh, that has also seen bloody clashes between the Indian and PLA troops last year.

  • China links North-South Banks of Pangong lake, PLA troop mobilisation time decrease to one-third

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In a significant development, the Chinese have linked up the North and South Banks of the Pangong Lake in the Eastern Ladakh which has been the focal point of major standoffs between the Indian and Chinese armed forces beginning May 2020.

    A source confirmed, “The construction of the bridge is going on for some time and we are well aware of it.” 

    It is roughly 25 km ahead of LAC on the Chinese side where the gap between the two banks of the lake is around 500 meters, the source added, and this will reduce the cross country distance, which is at present of approx 200kms, by 150 km and the 12 hours travel time will be around one-third of it.

    On the North Bank, one end of the bridge is close to Khurnak Fort, and the other end will bring it closer to the Moldo Garrison which is on the South bank. The Pangong Tso is a 135 km long high altitude (around 14,300ft) lake with around 45 kilometers on the Indian side of the LAC. 

    As reported earlier by The New Indian Express, it was on 29th August 2020 that the Indian Army had offset the tactical balance in favour of India by occupying the Kailash Ranges which brought the Moldo Garrison of the PLA under direct observation making it militarily untenable.

    TNIE broke the story that the Chinese forces clashed with the Indian Army at Finger 4 in May 2020 and mobilised their forces in standoff deployment at various points. The tensions between the two sides led to a deadly clash on 15 June 2020 in which both sides lost lives.

    It was on February 11, 2021, that the two sides reached an agreement and disengagement took place on both the banks of the Pangong Lake. As per claims, Indian LAC is at Finger 8 where the Chinese troops moved back after removing all the construction done during the standoff period. The disengagement also took place at Galwan and Gogra.

    The mountain spurs descending towards Pangong Lake are called Fingers and they are from 1 to 8.

    Although after 13 Corps Commander level talks disengagements have taken place the overall presence of the forces in the region hangs at more than 50, 000 troops on each side along with their offensive firepower including the artillery, tanks, missiles and heavy machinery.  

    Both sides continue with talks at military and diplomatic levels to resolve the issues. There is a difference of perception regarding the position of the Line of Actual Control and this has led to standoff at regular intervals which have been getting resolved as per the mechanisms agreed between India and China.

  • Galwan valley clash hero Colonel Santosh Babu accorded Mahavir Chakra posthumously

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Galwan valley clash hero Colonel Santosh Babu was awarded the second-highest wartime gallantry medal – the Mahavir Chakra (posthumously) by President Ram Nath Kovind in an investiture ceremony on Tuesday.

    Late Colonel’s mother and wife received the award from the President.

    Santosh Babu was awarded the gallantry medal for resisting the Chinese Army attack while establishing an observation post in the face of the enemy in the Galwan valley in the Ladakh sector during Operation Snow Leopard.

    India lost 20 troops in the fiercest clash between the two sides in a long time. The Chinese also suffered significant casualties. The clash led to the hardening of India’s stand, which has now allowed troops to use weapons during patrolling after the use of unorthodox weapons by Chinese troops.