News Analysis India

Tag: LAC

  • Top Army commanders deliberate on Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas conflict to draw relevant lessons

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Top commanders of the Indian Army deliberated on the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict at a five-day conclave to draw relevant lessons besides focusing on ways to make the force “future ready” in line with emerging contours of threats and challenges.

    The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and ways to enhance the Army’s combat readiness to deal with any contingencies also figured at the Army Commanders’ Conference that took place in Delhi from October 16 to 20.

    The apex leadership brainstormed on the current and emerging security scenarios and reviewed the operational preparedness of the Indian Army, officials said, adding they also delved into “foundational aspects” of organisational structures and evolving training regimes.

    The recent glacial lake burst and subsequent flash floods in Sikkim as well as the state of preparedness were also deliberated upon with a focus on instituting mechanisms for better responses to such situations.

    The Army Commanders’ Conference is an apex-level biannual event that is held in April and October every year.

    The conference is an institutional platform for conceptual-level deliberations, culminating in making important policy decisions for the Indian Army.

    The military leadership discussed the training philosophy and architecture for the Indian Army including digitisation and automation initiatives to make the force “future ready” in consonance with emerging contours of threats and conflicts, officials said.

    They said geo-strategic issues including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict were discussed by the military leadership with the aim of drawing out relevant lessons for the Indian Army.

    The views of the senior commanders were taken to formulate a cogent policy in operations, training, logistics and other domains in line with the ongoing process of transformation of the Indian Army, the officials said.

    The discussions were carried out at the conceptual level which will pave the way for formulation of important policies for the future, they added.

    The apex-level conference also provided an opportunity for defence ministry officials and senior military leadership to brainstorm and carry forward a range of initiatives.

    “The interactions led to key takeaways in the areas of making the Short Service Commission more attractive, conducting all internal examinations in ‘online’ mode and mechanisms for addressing the concerns of the veterans,” the Army said in a statement.

    The conference was addressed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.

    In his remarks, the defence minister emphasised the need to draw lessons from the ongoing geopolitical crisis and conflict in the Middle- East highlighting the need for readiness while expecting the unexpected.

    He remarked that the tendency of misinterpretation of force asymmetry and underestimating the adversary shall be the defining line between victory or defeat in any conflict, the Army said.

    The Chief of Defence Staff articulated the national security architecture and the need for revolution in military affairs to adapt to the changing paradigm, it said.

    Gen Pande complimented the Army for embracing and enthusiastic participation in the ongoing change.

    He also called upon the senior leadership to continue pursuing the process of transformation.

    Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari covered the operational aspects and underscored the importance of synergy between the services for optimum operational outcomes. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    NEW DELHI: Top commanders of the Indian Army deliberated on the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict at a five-day conclave to draw relevant lessons besides focusing on ways to make the force “future ready” in line with emerging contours of threats and challenges.

    The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and ways to enhance the Army’s combat readiness to deal with any contingencies also figured at the Army Commanders’ Conference that took place in Delhi from October 16 to 20.

    The apex leadership brainstormed on the current and emerging security scenarios and reviewed the operational preparedness of the Indian Army, officials said, adding they also delved into “foundational aspects” of organisational structures and evolving training regimes.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    The recent glacial lake burst and subsequent flash floods in Sikkim as well as the state of preparedness were also deliberated upon with a focus on instituting mechanisms for better responses to such situations.

    The Army Commanders’ Conference is an apex-level biannual event that is held in April and October every year.

    The conference is an institutional platform for conceptual-level deliberations, culminating in making important policy decisions for the Indian Army.

    The military leadership discussed the training philosophy and architecture for the Indian Army including digitisation and automation initiatives to make the force “future ready” in consonance with emerging contours of threats and conflicts, officials said.

    They said geo-strategic issues including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict were discussed by the military leadership with the aim of drawing out relevant lessons for the Indian Army.

    The views of the senior commanders were taken to formulate a cogent policy in operations, training, logistics and other domains in line with the ongoing process of transformation of the Indian Army, the officials said.

    The discussions were carried out at the conceptual level which will pave the way for formulation of important policies for the future, they added.

    The apex-level conference also provided an opportunity for defence ministry officials and senior military leadership to brainstorm and carry forward a range of initiatives.

    “The interactions led to key takeaways in the areas of making the Short Service Commission more attractive, conducting all internal examinations in ‘online’ mode and mechanisms for addressing the concerns of the veterans,” the Army said in a statement.

    The conference was addressed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.

    In his remarks, the defence minister emphasised the need to draw lessons from the ongoing geopolitical crisis and conflict in the Middle- East highlighting the need for readiness while expecting the unexpected.

    He remarked that the tendency of misinterpretation of force asymmetry and underestimating the adversary shall be the defining line between victory or defeat in any conflict, the Army said.

    The Chief of Defence Staff articulated the national security architecture and the need for revolution in military affairs to adapt to the changing paradigm, it said.

    Gen Pande complimented the Army for embracing and enthusiastic participation in the ongoing change.

    He also called upon the senior leadership to continue pursuing the process of transformation.

    Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari covered the operational aspects and underscored the importance of synergy between the services for optimum operational outcomes. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • Cabinet approves projects worth 6600 cr to strengthen India’s borders

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In a bid to make the borders of India more secure through people’s participation coupled with additional troop deployment, the Union Cabinet has approved centrally sponsored schemes worth over 6600 crores, to be spent on infrastructural development over the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26.  

    In two significant decisions taken on Wednesday, the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the induction of seven additional battalions of Indo-Tibetan Border Police, primarily meant to guard the India-China border and also approved the “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP) with financial allocation of Rs. 4800 Crore till 2025-26.

    Amidst the continuing unrest along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the induction of seven additional battalions of ITBP, to guard the Indo-China border and setting up of a sector headquarters (SHQ) to supervise them has been cleared. The additional battalions will be raised to man 47 new Border Out Posts (BOPs) and 12 staging camps, further strengthening the security grip along the LAC, Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said.

    An estimated cost of Rs 1,800 cr will be spent for the construction of office and residential buildings, land acquisition, and purchase of arms and ammunition. Around ₹963 crores will be spent per year on salaries, ration of the personnel and other recurring expenditure, the minister said.

    A total of 9,400 troops will be inducted into the ITBP for the additional seven battalions and the sector headquarter, according to people familiar with the matter. The additional battalions and the SHQ will help fill gaps on border posts. The establishment of these battalions and sector headquarters is expected to be completed by 2025-26.

    Informing about the VVP project meant for the villages located along India’s border, Thakur said with a financial allocation of Rs 4800 cr upto 2025-26, comprehensive development of villages of blocks on northern border has been cleared with an aim to improve the quality of life of people living in identified border villages.

    The scheme will provide funds for development of essential infrastructure and creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 Districts and 46 Border blocks 4 states and 1 UT along the northern land border of the country which will help in achieving inclusive growth and retaining the population in the border areas. In the first phase 663 Villages will be taken up in the programme, the minister said.

    Elaborating further Thakur said, the scheme aids to identify and develop the economic drivers based on local natural human and other resources of the border villages on the northern border and development of growth centres on “Hub and Spoke Model” through promotion of social entrepreneurship, empowerment of youth and women through skill development and entrepreneurship.  “This will help in encouraging people to stay in their native locations in border areas and reversing the outmigration from these villages adding to improved security of the border,” Thakur said.

    The VVP also aims to leverage the tourism potential through promotion of local cultural, traditional knowledge and heritage and development of sustainable eco-agribusinesses on the concept of “One village-One product” through community-based organisations, Cooperatives, SHGs, NGOs etc.

    NEW DELHI: In a bid to make the borders of India more secure through people’s participation coupled with additional troop deployment, the Union Cabinet has approved centrally sponsored schemes worth over 6600 crores, to be spent on infrastructural development over the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26.  

    In two significant decisions taken on Wednesday, the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the induction of seven additional battalions of Indo-Tibetan Border Police, primarily meant to guard the India-China border and also approved the “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP) with financial allocation of Rs. 4800 Crore till 2025-26.

    Amidst the continuing unrest along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the induction of seven additional battalions of ITBP, to guard the Indo-China border and setting up of a sector headquarters (SHQ) to supervise them has been cleared. The additional battalions will be raised to man 47 new Border Out Posts (BOPs) and 12 staging camps, further strengthening the security grip along the LAC, Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said.

    An estimated cost of Rs 1,800 cr will be spent for the construction of office and residential buildings, land acquisition, and purchase of arms and ammunition. Around ₹963 crores will be spent per year on salaries, ration of the personnel and other recurring expenditure, the minister said.

    A total of 9,400 troops will be inducted into the ITBP for the additional seven battalions and the sector headquarter, according to people familiar with the matter. The additional battalions and the SHQ will help fill gaps on border posts. The establishment of these battalions and sector headquarters is expected to be completed by 2025-26.

    Informing about the VVP project meant for the villages located along India’s border, Thakur said with a financial allocation of Rs 4800 cr upto 2025-26, comprehensive development of villages of blocks on northern border has been cleared with an aim to improve the quality of life of people living in identified border villages.

    The scheme will provide funds for development of essential infrastructure and creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 Districts and 46 Border blocks 4 states and 1 UT along the northern land border of the country which will help in achieving inclusive growth and retaining the population in the border areas. In the first phase 663 Villages will be taken up in the programme, the minister said.

    Elaborating further Thakur said, the scheme aids to identify and develop the economic drivers based on local natural human and other resources of the border villages on the northern border and development of growth centres on “Hub and Spoke Model” through promotion of social entrepreneurship, empowerment of youth and women through skill development and entrepreneurship.  “This will help in encouraging people to stay in their native locations in border areas and reversing the outmigration from these villages adding to improved security of the border,” Thakur said.

    The VVP also aims to leverage the tourism potential through promotion of local cultural, traditional knowledge and heritage and development of sustainable eco-agribusinesses on the concept of “One village-One product” through community-based organisations, Cooperatives, SHGs, NGOs etc.

  • ‘BRO’ connects Arunachal’s Strategic Maza area along LAC

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Amidst the prevailing tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has connected another important area after Yangtse. The BRO personnel and Machinery worked round the clock through heavy rains, tough terrain and dangerous working conditions to achieve this feat on Wednesday.

    “BRO’s Project Arunank achieved connectivity to Maza, a strategic location along Northern Borders, on Road TCC-Maza in Arunachal Pradesh. BRO is immensely proud to serve the Nation,” informed BRO.Maza is located in Upper Subansiri district where the armies of India and China had fought a major battle in 1962. The terrain is rugged and mountaineous with peaks ranging from 7,000 ft to 18,000 ft. The work was carried out under site officer Captain Satyam of the 128 Road Construction Company (RCC) of the BRO. Lt Col Abhimanyu Qadiyan is the Officer Commanding (OC) of the RCC.

    NEW DELHI: Amidst the prevailing tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has connected another important area after Yangtse. The BRO personnel and Machinery worked round the clock through heavy rains, tough terrain and dangerous working conditions to achieve this feat on Wednesday.

    “BRO’s Project Arunank achieved connectivity to Maza, a strategic location along Northern Borders, on Road TCC-Maza in Arunachal Pradesh. BRO is immensely proud to serve the Nation,” informed BRO.
    Maza is located in Upper Subansiri district where the armies of India and China had fought a major battle in 1962. The terrain is rugged and mountaineous with peaks ranging from 7,000 ft to 18,000 ft. The work was carried out under site officer Captain Satyam of the 128 Road Construction Company (RCC) of the BRO. Lt Col Abhimanyu Qadiyan is the Officer Commanding (OC) of the RCC.

  • Kharge should expel Rahul Gandhi from Congress: BJP

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The BJP launched a fierce attack on Rahul Gandhi on Saturday for his remark that Chinese soldiers are beating up Indian Army personnel in Arunachal Pradesh and said the Congress should immediately expel him from the party.

    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said if Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is not “remote-controlled” and if the opposition party stands with the country, then Gandhi should be expelled for his comments, which “belittle” India and break the morale of its armed forces.

    At a press conference in Jaipur on Friday during his “Bharat Jodo Yatra”, Gandhi claimed that China is preparing for a war and accused the government of trying to “ignore” the threat, saying it is “asleep” and not ready to accept the situation.

    In an apparent reference to a recent clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh, he said Indian jawans in the region are being “beaten up”.

    Bhatia told reporters that if the Congress does not act against Gandhi, its former president who continues to be seen as its main driving force, it will mean that his statement is reflective of the opposition party’s mindset.

    The Congress has become less of a political party and more of a den of anti-India activities, the BJP leader alleged.

    NEW DELHI: The BJP launched a fierce attack on Rahul Gandhi on Saturday for his remark that Chinese soldiers are beating up Indian Army personnel in Arunachal Pradesh and said the Congress should immediately expel him from the party.

    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said if Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is not “remote-controlled” and if the opposition party stands with the country, then Gandhi should be expelled for his comments, which “belittle” India and break the morale of its armed forces.

    At a press conference in Jaipur on Friday during his “Bharat Jodo Yatra”, Gandhi claimed that China is preparing for a war and accused the government of trying to “ignore” the threat, saying it is “asleep” and not ready to accept the situation.

    In an apparent reference to a recent clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh, he said Indian jawans in the region are being “beaten up”.

    Bhatia told reporters that if the Congress does not act against Gandhi, its former president who continues to be seen as its main driving force, it will mean that his statement is reflective of the opposition party’s mindset.

    The Congress has become less of a political party and more of a den of anti-India activities, the BJP leader alleged.

  • Indian, Chinese troops clash along LAC in Arunachal: Reports

    By Online Desk

    TAWANG (Arunachal Pradesh): India and Chinese troops were on Friday involved in a face-off in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector. The clash was reported along the disputed section of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 at Yangtse.

    This is reportedly the first such incident since the aggressive melee between the neighbours in the middle of 2020. The clash led to minor injuries on both sides. 

    IANS quoted sources as saying that Chinese troops approached the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh last week, but Indian troops firmly contested their way, leading to a clash between the two. 

    “Although no loss of life or major injuries was reported, a few Indian and Chinese troops received some minor injuries during this clash,” the report added.

    Soon after the clash, troops of both India and China immediately were disengaged from the area.

    According to ANI, the Chinese had come heavily prepared with around 300 soldiers but did not expect the Indian side also to be well prepared.

    Quoting sources, the agency said that on December 9, 2022, PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh which was contested by Indian troops in a firm and resolute manner.

    As a follow-up of the incident, India’s Commander in the area held a Flag Meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity.

    ALSO READ | India, China fear Russian defeat in Ukraine

    Reports quoting sources said that in certain areas along the LAC in the Tawang Sector in Arunachal Pradesh there are areas of differing perception, wherein both sides patrol the area upto their claim lines. This has been the trend since 2006.

    The 2020 deadly clash was the first in at least 45 years. It claimed the lives of as many as 20 Indian soldiers. China apparently did not confirm any casualties, though reports suggested four casualties on the Chinese side.

    In September this year, the Associated Press quoting defense ministers of both countries reported that Indian and Chinese soldiers are pulling back from a key friction point on their disputed border as part of efforts to lower tensions in a more than two-year standoff that has sometimes led to deadly clashes.

    The disengagement, the report said, followed the 16th round of commander-level talks between the two countries in July.

    The two countries have stationed tens of thousands of soldiers backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets along the de facto border, called the LAC.

    The LAC separates Chinese and Indian-held territories from Ladakh in the west to India’s eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety. India and China fought a war over the border in 1962, an Associated Press report said on Monday.

    After multiple meetings between military commanders, some Indian and Chinese soldiers have pulled back from a key friction point in Ladakh since the 2020 clash, but tensions between the two Asian giants have persisted, the report added.

    (With inputs from Agencies)

    TAWANG (Arunachal Pradesh): India and Chinese troops were on Friday involved in a face-off in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector. The clash was reported along the disputed section of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 at Yangtse.

    This is reportedly the first such incident since the aggressive melee between the neighbours in the middle of 2020. The clash led to minor injuries on both sides. 

    IANS quoted sources as saying that Chinese troops approached the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh last week, but Indian troops firmly contested their way, leading to a clash between the two. 

    “Although no loss of life or major injuries was reported, a few Indian and Chinese troops received some minor injuries during this clash,” the report added.

    Soon after the clash, troops of both India and China immediately were disengaged from the area.

    According to ANI, the Chinese had come heavily prepared with around 300 soldiers but did not expect the Indian side also to be well prepared.

    Quoting sources, the agency said that on December 9, 2022, PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh which was contested by Indian troops in a firm and resolute manner.

    As a follow-up of the incident, India’s Commander in the area held a Flag Meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity.

    ALSO READ | India, China fear Russian defeat in Ukraine

    Reports quoting sources said that in certain areas along the LAC in the Tawang Sector in Arunachal Pradesh there are areas of differing perception, wherein both sides patrol the area upto their claim lines. This has been the trend since 2006.

    The 2020 deadly clash was the first in at least 45 years. It claimed the lives of as many as 20 Indian soldiers. China apparently did not confirm any casualties, though reports suggested four casualties on the Chinese side.

    In September this year, the Associated Press quoting defense ministers of both countries reported that Indian and Chinese soldiers are pulling back from a key friction point on their disputed border as part of efforts to lower tensions in a more than two-year standoff that has sometimes led to deadly clashes.

    The disengagement, the report said, followed the 16th round of commander-level talks between the two countries in July.

    The two countries have stationed tens of thousands of soldiers backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets along the de facto border, called the LAC.

    The LAC separates Chinese and Indian-held territories from Ladakh in the west to India’s eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety. India and China fought a war over the border in 1962, an Associated Press report said on Monday.

    After multiple meetings between military commanders, some Indian and Chinese soldiers have pulled back from a key friction point in Ladakh since the 2020 clash, but tensions between the two Asian giants have persisted, the report added.

    (With inputs from Agencies)

  • 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.

  • India dismisses China’s concerns on military exercise with US in Uttarakhand

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India on Thursday dismissed China’s objection to the joint Indo-US military exercise near the Line of Actual Control in Uttarakhand’s Auli, saying it did not give a veto to third countries on these issues.

    Hitting back at China, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the joint exercises with the US in Auli has nothing to do with the 1993 and 1996 agreements with China.

    “But since these were raised by the Chinese side, I must emphasise that the Chinese side needs to reflect and think about its own breach of the agreements of 1993 and 1996,” Bagchi said responding to questions at the weekly briefing of the ministry.

    “India exercises with whomever it chooses to and it does not give a veto to third countries on these issues,” the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

    The 1993 agreement deals with maintaining peace and tranquility along the LAC with China in the India-China Border Areas, while the 1996 pact was about confidence-building measures in the military field along the LAC with China in the India-China Border Areas.

    PHOTOS | Indo-US joint military exercises in full swing; kites and dogs get trained, too

    On Wednesday, China said it was opposed to the joint Indo-US military exercises and claimed that it violated the spirit of the two border agreements signed between New Delhi and Beijing.

    The 18th edition of the India-US joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ is currently underway in Auli, about 100 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

    To questions on protests in parts of China against prolonged lockdowns and isolations to contain Covid, Bagchi said he would not comment on specific Covid strategies pursued by any country.

    “We would hope that humanity as a whole is able to emerge fully from Covid at the earliest. But insofar as specific Covid strategies that each country may be pursuing, I might not like to get into that. Just like to hope that we are able to come out of Covid,” he said.

    NEW DELHI: India on Thursday dismissed China’s objection to the joint Indo-US military exercise near the Line of Actual Control in Uttarakhand’s Auli, saying it did not give a veto to third countries on these issues.

    Hitting back at China, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the joint exercises with the US in Auli has nothing to do with the 1993 and 1996 agreements with China.

    “But since these were raised by the Chinese side, I must emphasise that the Chinese side needs to reflect and think about its own breach of the agreements of 1993 and 1996,” Bagchi said responding to questions at the weekly briefing of the ministry.

    “India exercises with whomever it chooses to and it does not give a veto to third countries on these issues,” the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

    The 1993 agreement deals with maintaining peace and tranquility along the LAC with China in the India-China Border Areas, while the 1996 pact was about confidence-building measures in the military field along the LAC with China in the India-China Border Areas.

    PHOTOS | Indo-US joint military exercises in full swing; kites and dogs get trained, too

    On Wednesday, China said it was opposed to the joint Indo-US military exercises and claimed that it violated the spirit of the two border agreements signed between New Delhi and Beijing.

    The 18th edition of the India-US joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ is currently underway in Auli, about 100 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

    To questions on protests in parts of China against prolonged lockdowns and isolations to contain Covid, Bagchi said he would not comment on specific Covid strategies pursued by any country.

    “We would hope that humanity as a whole is able to emerge fully from Covid at the earliest. But insofar as specific Covid strategies that each country may be pursuing, I might not like to get into that. Just like to hope that we are able to come out of Covid,” he said.

  • 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.

  • Situation has not returned to normal: MEA on eastern Ladakh border row

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India on Friday said the situation in eastern Ladakh has not returned to the stage of full normalcy as some steps are yet to be taken for it.

    The comments of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi came days after Chinese envoy Sun Weidong claimed that the situation in eastern Ladakh is “overall stable” as the two sides have moved from the “emergency response” that followed the Galwan valley clashes in June 2020 to “normalised” management.

    “Some steps are required for full normalcy, we have not reached there,” Bagchi said when asked about the Chinese ambassador’s remarks.

    The MEA spokesperson said India has been maintaining that it expects disengagement followed by de-escalation for the return of normalcy on the border, which could pave the way for normal ties between the two neighbouring countries.

    “We have not reached there. I would not like to say that the situation is normal. There have been some positive steps, but some steps are yet to be taken,” he said.

    Bagchi also referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks last month that the disengagement at Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh was “one problem less” on the border.

    Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday said the benchmark for the situation to become normal in eastern Ladakh would be to return to status quo ante prior to the standoff and a complete withdrawal of troops from all friction points.

    Though the two sides have disengaged from Patrolling Point 15 (PP-15), there has been no progress yet on resolving the standoff in the Demchok and Depsang regions.

    Following the eastern Ladakh standoff, India has been consistently maintaining that peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is key for the overall development of its ties with China and the state of the border will determine the state of the bilateral relationship.

    The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas.

    Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry.

    As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year on the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.

    The disengagement in the Pangong lake area took place in February last year, while the withdrawal of troops and equipment from Patrolling Point 17(A) in Gogra took place in August last year.

    NEW DELHI: India on Friday said the situation in eastern Ladakh has not returned to the stage of full normalcy as some steps are yet to be taken for it.

    The comments of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi came days after Chinese envoy Sun Weidong claimed that the situation in eastern Ladakh is “overall stable” as the two sides have moved from the “emergency response” that followed the Galwan valley clashes in June 2020 to “normalised” management.

    “Some steps are required for full normalcy, we have not reached there,” Bagchi said when asked about the Chinese ambassador’s remarks.

    The MEA spokesperson said India has been maintaining that it expects disengagement followed by de-escalation for the return of normalcy on the border, which could pave the way for normal ties between the two neighbouring countries.

    “We have not reached there. I would not like to say that the situation is normal. There have been some positive steps, but some steps are yet to be taken,” he said.

    Bagchi also referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks last month that the disengagement at Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh was “one problem less” on the border.

    Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday said the benchmark for the situation to become normal in eastern Ladakh would be to return to status quo ante prior to the standoff and a complete withdrawal of troops from all friction points.

    Though the two sides have disengaged from Patrolling Point 15 (PP-15), there has been no progress yet on resolving the standoff in the Demchok and Depsang regions.

    Following the eastern Ladakh standoff, India has been consistently maintaining that peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is key for the overall development of its ties with China and the state of the border will determine the state of the bilateral relationship.

    The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas.

    Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry.

    As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year on the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.

    The disengagement in the Pangong lake area took place in February last year, while the withdrawal of troops and equipment from Patrolling Point 17(A) in Gogra took place in August last year.

  • Theatre Command structure should not in any way compromise the IAF’s doctrine: IAF Chief

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Communicating the worries of the Indian Air Force with regards to the major reorganization exercise of the structure of the Armed Forces into theatres the Air Chief has clarified that the service was not opposing any process of integration or having theatre commands. “But we have certain reservations with respect to the structures.” said the IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. He also talked about the situation along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh saying the best benchmark would be “complete withdrawal”.

    As reported earlier by TNIE the war fighting structure of the Armed Forces (Army, Air Force and Navy) is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    The IAF is in full support of the integration process but “It is only the methodology and the kind of structure that need to be future ready is what we are insisting on.” he added.

    Elaborating on his views to make the structures Future ready, “it should be shorter decision making, reduction in the layers of command and control and more importantly to synergy the core competencies. Each service has a doctrine. The doctrinal aspects of the IAF is what I am worried about, should not in any way be compromised by this new structure.”

    The Air Chief was addressing the media before the 90th Raising Day of the Force.

    The Chief, commenting on the situation in Eastern Ladakh, said, “The best benchmark would be return to status quo ante and complete withdrawal from all the points all along the LAC. That is the ideal situation that we would look for.”

    Disengagement has taken place at certain areas along the LAC. However, we keep monitoring the activities of the PLA Air Force. Infrastructure development continues to take place at a rapid pace across the LAC particularly Eastern Ladakh sector.” 

    On the increased air activity by the Chinese the air chief said “we continuously monitor it by enhancing our air defence efforts there.”

    “We have increased the presence of our radars and Surface to Air Guided Weapon (SAGW) systems. We have integrated them into the IACCS network, and appropriate non-escalatory air-defence measures are taken, always in time. We have been able to signal our intent and signal our state of readiness with the actions taken so far.” He said.

    The Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS) has been planned to provide the complete picture of the air domain to assist him with quick and informed decisions.

    As per the Chief, all preparedness in terms of infrastructure building, equipment, training and tactics is a continuous effort, irrespective of whether we see any belligerence on the part of the Chinese or not.

    “The Confidence Building Measures (CBM) between India and China are in place. We have ensured that none of the CBMs are violated. In case there is a violation, we now have an Air Force officer who represents us in the border talks. In the last border management talks, we had an Air Force officer and the various air violations cases have been communicated to them. We will use the Army hotlines for communicating any air violations.” Added the IAF Chief.

    NEW DELHI: Communicating the worries of the Indian Air Force with regards to the major reorganization exercise of the structure of the Armed Forces into theatres the Air Chief has clarified that the service was not opposing any process of integration or having theatre commands. “But we have certain reservations with respect to the structures.” said the IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. He also talked about the situation along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh saying the best benchmark would be “complete withdrawal”.

    As reported earlier by TNIE the war fighting structure of the Armed Forces (Army, Air Force and Navy) is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    The IAF is in full support of the integration process but “It is only the methodology and the kind of structure that need to be future ready is what we are insisting on.” he added.

    Elaborating on his views to make the structures Future ready, “it should be shorter decision making, reduction in the layers of command and control and more importantly to synergy the core competencies. Each service has a doctrine. The doctrinal aspects of the IAF is what I am worried about, should not in any way be compromised by this new structure.”

    The Air Chief was addressing the media before the 90th Raising Day of the Force.

    The Chief, commenting on the situation in Eastern Ladakh, said, “The best benchmark would be return to status quo ante and complete withdrawal from all the points all along the LAC. That is the ideal situation that we would look for.”

    Disengagement has taken place at certain areas along the LAC. However, we keep monitoring the activities of the PLA Air Force. Infrastructure development continues to take place at a rapid pace across the LAC particularly Eastern Ladakh sector.” 

    On the increased air activity by the Chinese the air chief said “we continuously monitor it by enhancing our air defence efforts there.”

    “We have increased the presence of our radars and Surface to Air Guided Weapon (SAGW) systems. We have integrated them into the IACCS network, and appropriate non-escalatory air-defence measures are taken, always in time. We have been able to signal our intent and signal our state of readiness with the actions taken so far.” He said.

    The Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS) has been planned to provide the complete picture of the air domain to assist him with quick and informed decisions.

    As per the Chief, all preparedness in terms of infrastructure building, equipment, training and tactics is a continuous effort, irrespective of whether we see any belligerence on the part of the Chinese or not.

    “The Confidence Building Measures (CBM) between India and China are in place. We have ensured that none of the CBMs are violated. In case there is a violation, we now have an Air Force officer who represents us in the border talks. In the last border management talks, we had an Air Force officer and the various air violations cases have been communicated to them. We will use the Army hotlines for communicating any air violations.” Added the IAF Chief.