“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,” he ad
Tag: LAC
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Appropriate measures put in place to deal with Chinese activities along LAC: IAF chief
By PTI
NEW DELHI: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday said the Indian Air Force has taken appropriate “non-escalatory” measures to deal with Chinese activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the Air Force Day on October 8, he also said that recent developments at the global stage show the need for a strong military to ward off any challenge.
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said the IAF has been preparing for all kinds of security challenges including “worst-case scenario” and asserted that it is fully ready to face any situation.
“We continue to be operationally deployed and ever vigilant,” he said, adding the IAF continues to monitor all Chinese activities along the LAC.
When asked about recent incidents of Chinese fighter jets flying close to the LAC, he said appropriate non-escalatory measures have been taken and a message was sent to the neighbouring country.
Our overall preparation is a continuous process irrespective of Chinese belligerence, he said.
To a question, he said the benchmark for the situation to return to normal in eastern Ladakh would be to return to status quo ante and completion of disengagement in all friction points.
Referring to the ambitious theaterisation plan, the Air Chief Marshal said the IAF understands imperatives of joint planning and execution with sister forces for future wars.
We are not opposed to tri-services integration; our reservations are relating to only certain structures, he said.
The chief of Air Staff also said that the IAF is in sync with the government on self-reliance in defence production.
NEW DELHI: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday said the Indian Air Force has taken appropriate “non-escalatory” measures to deal with Chinese activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the Air Force Day on October 8, he also said that recent developments at the global stage show the need for a strong military to ward off any challenge.
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said the IAF has been preparing for all kinds of security challenges including “worst-case scenario” and asserted that it is fully ready to face any situation.
“We continue to be operationally deployed and ever vigilant,” he said, adding the IAF continues to monitor all Chinese activities along the LAC.
When asked about recent incidents of Chinese fighter jets flying close to the LAC, he said appropriate non-escalatory measures have been taken and a message was sent to the neighbouring country.
Our overall preparation is a continuous process irrespective of Chinese belligerence, he said.
To a question, he said the benchmark for the situation to return to normal in eastern Ladakh would be to return to status quo ante and completion of disengagement in all friction points.
Referring to the ambitious theaterisation plan, the Air Chief Marshal said the IAF understands imperatives of joint planning and execution with sister forces for future wars.
We are not opposed to tri-services integration; our reservations are relating to only certain structures, he said.
The chief of Air Staff also said that the IAF is in sync with the government on self-reliance in defence production.
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Information about casualties of Chinese soldiers cannot be disclosed: CIC
By Express News Service
NEW DELHI: The casualty figure of the Chinese soldiers in Galwan Valley clash two years back between the Chinese People’s Liberation Army troops and the Indian Army soldier cannot be disclosed, told the Central Information Commission (CIC).
In its recent order, the CIC declined to allow a plea seeking to know “the casualties to the Chinese forces, if any, by brave soldiers of the country” inflicted during the clashes between two forces on June 15, 2020. The CIC is the highest appellate body under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The RTI filed by applicant Akhand had also sought information about the casualty figures suffered by the Indian soldiers in Galwan.
Galwan is one of the multiple standoff points where the Chinese moved in their forces after a clash between the troops of both sides on May 5, 2020. The area is near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.
The applicant had also asked for information on the rehabilitation and ex-gratia paid to the families. In addition, the RTI applicant had sought to know from the army if Indian soldiers are missing in the Galwan river valley after the clash and its plans to rescue them.
The army refused to disclose the information as it was third-party information and it cannot be shared under Section 8(1) (j) of the Act, which exempts from the disclosure of information which is personal in nature.
The army also cited Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act which exempts from the disclosure of information which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the state, relation with foreign state or lead to incitement of an offence. The information on it was also denied.
The applicant Akhand argued before the CIC that the matter involves a larger public interest and that the information should be provided to him.
Information Commissioner Vanaja N Sarna said, “It is noted that a proper reply was given to the appellant whereby it was rightly stated that since the information is related to third parties, the information cannot be provided under section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.”
“It was also stated that the information is sensitive in nature and cannot be provided under section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act. The Commission is unable to find any flaw in the reply, hence, no relief can be given,” she said.
The Indian Army had lost 20 Indian Army soldiers in the Galwan clash and the Chinese had acknowledged the death of five soldiers during the clash.
NEW DELHI: The casualty figure of the Chinese soldiers in Galwan Valley clash two years back between the Chinese People’s Liberation Army troops and the Indian Army soldier cannot be disclosed, told the Central Information Commission (CIC).
In its recent order, the CIC declined to allow a plea seeking to know “the casualties to the Chinese forces, if any, by brave soldiers of the country” inflicted during the clashes between two forces on June 15, 2020. The CIC is the highest appellate body under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The RTI filed by applicant Akhand had also sought information about the casualty figures suffered by the Indian soldiers in Galwan.
Galwan is one of the multiple standoff points where the Chinese moved in their forces after a clash between the troops of both sides on May 5, 2020. The area is near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.
The applicant had also asked for information on the rehabilitation and ex-gratia paid to the families. In addition, the RTI applicant had sought to know from the army if Indian soldiers are missing in the Galwan river valley after the clash and its plans to rescue them.
The army refused to disclose the information as it was third-party information and it cannot be shared under Section 8(1) (j) of the Act, which exempts from the disclosure of information which is personal in nature.
The army also cited Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act which exempts from the disclosure of information which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the state, relation with foreign state or lead to incitement of an offence. The information on it was also denied.
The applicant Akhand argued before the CIC that the matter involves a larger public interest and that the information should be provided to him.
Information Commissioner Vanaja N Sarna said, “It is noted that a proper reply was given to the appellant whereby it was rightly stated that since the information is related to third parties, the information cannot be provided under section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.”
“It was also stated that the information is sensitive in nature and cannot be provided under section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act. The Commission is unable to find any flaw in the reply, hence, no relief can be given,” she said.
The Indian Army had lost 20 Indian Army soldiers in the Galwan clash and the Chinese had acknowledged the death of five soldiers during the clash.
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Army chief visits forward areas in eastern Ladakh
By PTI
NEW DELHI: Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande visited some of the most difficult and inhospitable forward locations in eastern Ladakh and reviewed India’s overall military preparedness during his three-day tour of the region amid the lingering border row with China, officials said on Saturday.
They said the Chief of Army Staff interacted with the troops in multiple locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the high-altitude region and took stock of the ground situation.
Gen Pande concluded his three-day visit to Ladakh on Saturday.
The Army chief, accompanied by senior commanders, visited some of the most difficult and inhospitable forward locations in eastern Ladakh to have first-hand knowledge about the prevailing situation, the officials said.
“General Manoj Pande #COAS visited forward areas in #Ladakh to review the operational preparedness. #COAS interacted with the troops & complimented them for their steadfastness & high morale,” the Army tweeted.
On Thursday, senior commanders briefed Gen Pande at the Fire and Fury Corps headquarters in Leh about the overall security situation in eastern Ladakh. The Fire and Fury Corps is responsible for guarding the LAC with China in the Ladakh region.
Gen Pande’s visit to Ladakh came days after he said China’s intention has been to keep “alive” the overall boundary question with India though it remains the “basic” issue between the two countries.
While referring to the eastern Ladakh border row, the Army chief had said the Indian Army’s aim is to re-establish the “trust and tranquillity” between the two sides but asserted that “it cannot be a one-way affair”. He also asserted that the Indian Army’s aim was to restore the status quo ante prior to April 2020 in eastern Ladakh.
The eastern Ladakh faceoff began on May 4-5 in 2022. India has been insisting on the restoration of the status quo ante prior to the standoff. India and China have held 15 rounds of military talks so far to resolve the eastern Ladakh row.
As a result of the 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.
India has been consistently maintaining that peace and tranquillity along the LAC were key for the overall development of the bilateral ties. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector.
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China’s intent has been to keep boundary issue ‘alive’: Army Chief Gen Pande
By PTI
NEW DELHI: The basic issue with China remains the resolution of the boundary question but Beijing’s intent has been to keep it “alive”, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande said on Monday, asserting that Indian troops are adequately deployed to deal with any situation along the frontier.
Gen Pande said the Army’s aim is to restore the status quo ante prior to April 2020 and that guidance has been given to the troops deployed along the border to remain firm and resolute in their tasks.
The Army chief told a group of journalists that Indian troops continue to hold “important positions” along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and that the Army has a “robust posture” to confront any situation.
“The basic issue remains the resolution of the border. What we see is that China’s intent has been to keep the boundary issue alive,” he said.
“What we need as a country is a ‘whole of nation’ approach and in the military domain, this is to prevent and counter any attempt to alter the status quo at the LAC,” he added.
Gen Pande, who took the reins of the Army over a week ago, said the diplomatic and military talks between the two sides resulted in the disengagement of troops on the north and south banks of Pangong Tso, Gogra and Patrolling Point 14 in Galwan, and added, “We hope to find resolution through dialogue in remaining areas.” “Our aim is to restore status quo ante prior to April 2020,” he said.
The eastern Ladakh faceoff began on May 4-5 in 2020. India has been insisting on the restoration of the status quo ante prior to the standoff.
The aim is to establish trust and tranquillity on both sides but it cannot be a “one-way affair”, he said.
“Our troops continue to hold important positions along the LAC. As far as the situation is concerned, guidance given to the troops is to remain firm and resolute in the task they are undertaking and prevent attempts to change the status quo,” he said.
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India, China agreed to stay in close contact to work out mutually acceptable resolution: MEA
By PTI
NEW DELHI: India and China agreed at the previous round of Corps Commander-level talks to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels to work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues related to the LAC in the western sector at the earliest, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.
Asked about the border standoff with China, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “As you are aware, the 14th round of India-China Corps Commander level meeting was held on January 12 this year. The two sides agreed that resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest would help in the restoration of peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the western sector and enable progress in bilateral relations.”
“The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest,” he said.
In this context it was also agreed that the next round of the commanders level talks should be held at the earliest, Bagchi added.
The eastern Ladakh border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area.
Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.
As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.
Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector.
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On western front, there is increase in concentration of terrorists: Army chief
By ANI
NEW DELHI: Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Tuesday said that as far as the western front is concerned, there is an increase in the concentration of terrorists in various launch pads and there have been repeated attempts of infiltration across the Line of Control.
The army chief said, “On the western front, there is an increase in the concentration of terrorists in various launch pads and there have been repeated attempts of infiltration across the LAC. This once exposes the nefarious designs of our western neighbour.”
Addressing the media persons on Tuesday, Gen Naravane said, “If you recall the situation as it existed last January, there have been positive developments both along our northern and western borders. On the northern borders, we have continued to maintain the highest levels of operational preparedness while at the same time, engaging with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) through dialogue.”
“After persistent joint efforts, mutual disengagement has occurred at many locations of which I have been telling you from time to time. So, that definitely is a positive development that has happened over the last one year. As we speak, the 14th round of the Core Commander talks are underway and I am hopeful that you should see further development in the days ahead,” he added.
“While there has been a partial disengagement, the threat has by no means reduced and the host level are more or less the same. From our side, it has been enhanced. The threat assessment and internal deliberations that we have carried out from time to time have resulted in some reorganisation and realignment of the same in keeping with our army’s mandate of ensuring our territorial integrity,” the army chief said.
Gen Naravane said, “This also caters to the major augmentation that has taken in the PLA forces and their infrastructure. While we will continue to deal with PLA in a firm and resolute manner, necessary safeguards are in place to take care of any contingency.”
The 14th round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China are currently underway.
The 14th round of Senior Highest Military Commander Level (SHMCL) talks between India and China is taking place on January 12 at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point, on the Chinese side at 09:30 AM (IST). The Indian side is looking forward to constructive dialogue for resolving the remaining friction areas, said Indian Army officials.
New Delhi and Beijing have been engaged in holding talks on the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Ladakh area to resolve the standoff. So far, 13 rounds of talks have been held.
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‘Certain countries are trying to alter the status quo by force’: General MM Naravane
Express News Service
NEW DELHI: Chief of the Indian Army General MM Naravane, on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, pointed towards the hegemonic approach of certain nations that are reportedly working to change the international status quo, without naming any country in particular.
In Eastern Ladakh, China has been involved in a tense standoff with its forces based at Line of Actual Control disregarding the agreements and understandings related to the LAC.General MM Naravane, in a seminar, praised the India-Bangladesh boundary resolution and also pointed out that there are countries that are disregarding the territorial integrity of other nations.“The historic land boundary agreement between our nations has set a unique example on how to resolve border disputes through mutual negotiations and a concerted outlook,” said the Army Chief. “This at a time when certain countries are trying to alter the status quo by force bypassing traditional norms and protocols and with complete disregard to the territorial integrity of others.”China not only disregarded the agreements with India on the LAC but has also been involved in maritime boundary contests in the South China Sea with various other nations.
There are around 60,000 troops positioned at high altitude locations of the LAC along the Eastern Ladakh since clashes between the soldiers of the two countries took place in May 2020. In addition, China has been building up its troop positions and habitat all along the LAC. India has also fast-paced its infrastructure towards the Northern borders and has been continuing with precautionary deployment all along the LAC.The Army Chief was speaking at a seminar on ‘India-Bangladesh: 50 years of friendship’ organized by Delhi-based thinktank Centre for Land Warfare Studies. “Such agreement as that between ours epitomizes the three ‘M’s – Mutual respect, trust and commitment to the rules-based order.”
Speaking at the Occasion the High Commissioner of Bangladesh H.E. Mr Muhammad Imran said, “India has experienced adverse situations in some of the states close to Bangladesh but since assumption of power in 2009 the Government of PM Sheikh Hasina has offered all-out support. It ensured that no one gets to use Bangladeshi soil to harm any neighbouring country. Bangladesh has resolved to not tolerate terrorism, radicalism in any form and not to allow her soil to be used for this purpose.”
After ratification of the historic Land Border Agreement by India on June 6, 2015, the legal exchange process involved 162 enclaves (111 Bangladeshi enclaves with a total area of 17,160 acres and 51 Indian enclaves covering a gross area of 7,110 acres) was completed by August 1, 2015.
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Indian Army’s Parachute Brigade conducts Airborne insertion exercise along LAC in Ladakh
Express News Service
NEW DELHI: The Indian Army on Monday began an exercise of its highly specialised troops of the Airborne Shatrujeet Brigade (50 Parachute Brigade) along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh which happens to be the zone where they are locked in protracted standoffs with the Chinese PLA.
“The Shatrujeet Brigade of Indian Army is conducting an Airborne insertion along the Northern Borders in Eastern Ladakh to validate its Rapid Response Capabilities, as part of an Airborne exercise and combat manoeuvres,” a source said.
The exercise is a part of an overall three-day affair focusing on high altitude area Airborne Exercise along Northern Borders. Other arms and services are also participating.
“The exercise also involves the conduct of Oxygen Combat Free Fall jumps and integrated battle drills by Airborne forces, mechanised columns and attack helicopters, validating capabilities and seamless integration.” added the source quoted above.
Talking about the first day of the exercise the sources said, “On 01 November 2021, Airborne troops were inserted to a Drop Zone at an altitude of more than 14000 feet. Pre-acclimatised troops along with specialist vehicles and missile detachments were transported via C-130 and AN 32 aircrafts from five different mounting bases to validate inter-theatre move, precision stand-off drops, rapid grouping & capture of designated objectives with speed & surprise.”
The exercise being conducted is challenging keeping the low temperatures of up to minus 20 degrees and rarefied atmosphere in super high-altitude terrain.
The elements of the brigade have the flexibility and can be inserted, even behind the enemy lines, and gives strategic reach and operational mobility, added another source.
Viewing the exercise as important Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia (retd) said, “It’s a very effective deterrence capability and a threat-in-being China’s aggressive behaviour along LAC.” Lt General Bhatia is himself a paratrooper and was the DG Military Operations of the Army.
The situation along the Line of Actual Control changed with Chinese troops engaging in a standoff in May 2020. Keeping the change in situation Indian Army conducted a precautionary deployment all along the LAC. Although there has been disengagement from the standoff points at Galwan, Gogra and North and South Banks of Pangong Lake the situation remains precarious. The standoffs continue at Hotspring, Depsang and Demchok.
Though the troops have disengaged they have retreated back and around 60,000 troops from each side continue deployed near the 832-kilometre-long LAC in Ladakh. The Chinese showed disagreement with the Indian suggestions regarding the resolution during the 13th round of Corps Commanders meeting held on October 10. This meeting was held after a gap of two months.
The deployments of the forces along with their tanks, artillery, heavy equipment and missiles along the Eastern Ladakh are being viewed to be for a long time. Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane said in October, “It is a matter of concern that there is a large scale build-up taking place….there has been infrastructural build-up by the Chinese side and that means they are there to stay…If they are there to stay, we are there to stay too.”.
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Pinaka, Smerch add to Army’s firepower at LAC
Express News Service
TENGA(ARUNACHAL) : In a rare display of its long range offensive artillery capacity, the Indian Army’s units in LAC’s eastern sector showcased Pinaka Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher and Smerch Multi Rocket Launcher on Friday.
Both Smerch and Pinaka — among the most potent rocket systems of the Army — are designed and developed to deliver high volume of firepower at critical time in a short duration. The rocket units showcased mock drill of attacking the enemy positions in the areas bordering Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. “These long range vectors of Indian Army can strike deep into the enemy territory with precision,” said Colonel Gaurav Sood, the commanding officer of the Pinaka Regiment.
A battery of six launchers of Pinaka can fire a salvo of 72 rockets in 44 seconds and neutralise enemy assets in an area of 1000m by 800m. Additionally, upgraded version of Pinaka ammunition can land up to a range of 75km with superior precision.
The indigenously developed Pinaka rockets are meant to engage targets up to 38 km at mean sea level but its effectiveness changes in areas like mountains. “At these altitudes, the ranges are enhanced significantly which further augments the deep strike capabilities of the weapon systems,” said Lt Col Samarth serving with the Pinaka Regiment in the eastern sector.
With a range of up to 90 km, a battery of four Smerch launchers can fire a salvo of 48 rockets in 40 seconds neutralising an area of 1,200m X 1,200m. The two rocket systems are in addition to the Army bolstering its long range offensive deployment in the eastern sector with artillery guns Bofors and Ultra Light Howitzer M777 and upgraded L-70 air defence guns. Also, other missile systems have been brought into the inventory of the forces in the area.