Defence minister Rajnath Singh said army should be ready for any eventuality along the northern borders, while negotiations with China are ongoing to find a diplomatic settlement to the armed conflict in eastern Ladakh.
The defence minister added that despite the advance deployment of soldiers from both nations for the previous three years, the troop standoff in eastern Ladakh continues to be tense and volatile.
While asking the armed forces to maintain a strong vigil to ensure the security of the Line of Actual Control, the minister said the ongoing diplomatic and military talks “for a peaceful resolution will continue” with China. “Disengagement and de-escalation is the best way forward,” he said.
“It is our ‘whole of government’ approach to ensure the availability of the best weapons, equipment and clothing to our troops braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity,” the defence minister said.
Although there have been numerous diplomatic and military discussions between the two sides, China has so far refused to withdraw its troops from the critical Depsang Plains and the Charding Ninglung Nallah track junction in Demchok, eastern Ladakh, where there have been important clashes.
Turning to the western front with Pakistan, Singh praised the Army’s strong response to the proxy war being fuelled by the adversary. “I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPFs and Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations are contributing to increased stability and peace in the region and the same should continue,” Rajnath Singh said.