Tag: India-China border standoff

Chinese actions last year responsible for eastern Ladakh standoff: India

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India on Thursday said China’s amassing of a large number of troops close to the border last year and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo seriously disturbed peace and tranquillity in the region.

India’s comments on the matter came a day after China said its military deployment in the region is a normal “defence arrangement” aimed to respond to actions by the “relevant” country.

“It is well recognised that it has been the Chinese actions over the last year, including amassing of a large number of troops close to border areas in the western sector and trying to unilaterally alter the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which have seriously disturbed peace and tranquillity in the border areas,” external affairs ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. He was responding to a question on the standoff at a media briefing.

“These acts are in violation of our bilateral agreements, including the 1993 and 1996 agreements that mandate that the two sides shall strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control and that two sides will keep their military forces in the areas along the LAC to a minimum level,” Bagchi said.

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China says border issue with India should not be linked to bilateral relations

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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China on Wednesday said the prolonged border issue with India should be addressed through peaceful negotiations and not be linked to bilateral relations.

Asked for his reaction to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s comments at the Qatar Economic Forum on Tuesday that China’s military deployment along the disputed border with India and uncertainty over whether Beijing will fulfil its promise on troop reductions remains a challenge for relations between the two neighbours, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the border issue should not be linked to the bilateral relations.

“We advocate that we should address the boundary issue through peaceful negotiations and we don’t think that the border issue should be linked up to our bilateral ties, he said at a media briefing here. Zhao said the military deployment by China in the Western sector along the border is a “normal defensive arrangement”. It is meant to prevent the encroachment or threat against China’s territory by the relevant country, he said.

In his remarks, Jaishankar had said that the larger issue relating to the border row in eastern Ladakh is whether India and China can build a relationship based on mutual sensitivity and respect and whether Beijing would live up to the written commitments about both sides not deploying a large armed force along the frontier.

It has been more than a year since the military standoff between China and India erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong Lake area.

The two sides are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points. India has been particularly pressing for the disengagement of troops in Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang.

Last month, Indian Army Chief Gen. MM Naravane said that there can be no de-escalation without complete disengagement at all friction points in eastern Ladakh and that the Indian Army is prepared for all contingencies in the region.

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Modernisation of Indian Army well on course: Gen MM Naravane

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The modernisation of the Indian Army is well on course, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane has said, dismissing apprehensions that the need for devoting more resources to guard the Line of Actual Control in the face of the prolonged standoff with China in eastern Ladakh may starve the force of funds for buying new weapons and platforms.

Emphasising his point, Gen Naravane said that 59 contracts worth Rs 21,000 crore have been concluded since last fiscal while a number of other capital acquisition proposals are in the pipeline.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, he said the modernisation drive in the Army has been going on without facing any difficulty and that required resources are being provided by the government. “The modernisation drive of Indian Army is well on course. Recently 15 contracts worth more than Rs 16,000 crore have been concluded under normal schemes of procurement and 44 contracts worth Rs 5,000 crore have been concluded in 2020-21 under emergency procurements,” Gen Naravane said.

“A number of capital acquisition proposals too are underway concurrently,” the Chief of Army Staff said. He was replying to a question on whether the much-needed modernisation of the Army has been impacted due to the need for allocation of greater resources to keep a large number of troops for guarding the LAC in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere in the wake of the standoff since last one year.

“We are not facing any difficulty,” he said, referring to the modernisation drive. In February, the government allocated Rs Rs 4.78 lakh crore for the defence budget for 2021-22. Out of the total allocation, Rs 1,35,060 crore was set aside for capital expenditure that includes purchasing new weapons, aircraft, warships and other military hardware.

The capital outlay for 2021-22 is an increase of 18.75 percent compared to last year’s allocation of Rs 1,13,734 crore. In the last few years, military experts have been pitching for rapid modernisation of the Indian armed forces to effectively deal with China’s increasing assertiveness.

It has been more than a year since the military standoff between the two sides erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong lake area while negotiations for similar steps at other points remained deadlocked.

Gen Naravane said that the Indian Army is currently holding onto all important areas in the high-altitude region and it has adequate personnel in the form of “reserves” to react to any contingencies. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive sector.

The ties between the two countries came under severe strain after the deadly clashes at the Galwan valley following which both sides rushed in thousands of additional troops as well as battle tanks and other large weapons to the region. Nine months after the military standoff at multiple friction points, both sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of the Pangong lake in February as part of an agreement reached following a series of military and diplomatic talks.

The two sides have held 11 rounds of military talks to ensure disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points. Both the militaries are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points.

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India-China standoff: No de-escalation without complete disengagement, says Army Chief Gen Naravane

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In a clear and unambiguous message to China, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane on Friday said there can be no de-escalation without complete disengagement at all friction points in eastern Ladakh, and that the Indian Army is prepared for all contingencies in the region.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, Gen Naravane said India is dealing with China in a “firm” and “non-escalatory” manner to ensure the sanctity of its claims in eastern Ladakh, and that it was even open to initiating confidence-building measures.

It has been more than a year since the military standoff between the two sides erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong lake area while negotiations for similar steps at other friction points remained deadlocked.

Gen Naravane asserted that the Indian Army is currently holding onto all important areas in the high-altitude region and it has adequate personnel in the form of “reserves” to respond to any contingencies.

“We are very clear that no de-escalation can take place before disengagement at all friction points. India and China have signed a number of border agreements which have been unilaterally breached by the People’s Liberation Army(PLA),” he said.

“Though we want peace and tranquillity at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and are open to initiating confidence-building measures, we remain prepared for all contingencies.”

He also said the situation along the northern border is under control and that the coming rounds of military talks with China will focus on restoring the status quo ante of April 2020.

“Indian Army is very clear that no loss of territory or unilateral change in status quo will be permitted. We are dealing with the Chinese in a firm and non-escalatory way, ensuring the sanctity of our claims in eastern Ladakh,” he added.

To a question on when a resolution to the standoff can be expected in areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, the Army Chief said it was difficult to predict the timeline.

“The Indian Army maintains all protocols and agreements between the two countries while the PLA escalated the situation by utilisation of unorthodox weapons and amassing a large number of troops,” he said, in a reference to the Galwan Valley clashes last June.

“Troops are currently holding all important areas and we have adequate troops in the form of ‘reserves’ to react to any contingencies,” the Army Chief added.

India-China ties came under severe strain following the deadly clashes at the Galwan valley following which both sides rushed in thousands of additional troops as well as battle tanks and other large weapons to the region.

“The trust levels are bound to be low when a major standoff takes place between two countries leading to casualties on both sides. However, it is always our endeavour that this trust deficit should not hinder the negotiation process,” Gen Naravane said.

“As two professional armies, it is imperative that we resolve the situation and make progress to restore trust at the earliest.” Asked about the possibility of any escalation of tension in the region, Gen Naravane said there has been no infringement by the Chinese side following the agreement on the disengagement in the Pangong lake area and that chances of any untoward incident is low.

He also said the strength of troops on both sides at present are more or less what it was last year and that the Indian Army was aware of what is happening in the region, adding “you cannot be complacent”.

The Chief of Army Staff said the training areas of the PLA located in depth areas at a distance of around 1,000 km from the LAC are also being looked at. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive sector. Gen Naravane said the process for the next round of military talks was underway.

At the same time, he added, “we should not expect result from every round of talks.” Asked about China building villages near the LAC in the Arunachal Pradesh sector as well along its border with Bhutan, Gen Naravane said it is possibly part of a plan to have more population in the areas along with infrastructure development.

“They (China) are building the villages on their side. Additional infrastructure is also being developed to cater to the increasing population,” he said. He said India has also been developing infrastructure along the LAC that included habitat, water supply and electrification.

Nine months after the military standoff at multiple friction points, both sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of the Pangong lake in February as part of an agreement reached following a series of military and diplomatic talks.

The two sides have held 11 rounds of military talks with an aim to ensure disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points. Both the militaries are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points.

There was no visible forward movement in disengagement of troops at the remaining friction points as the Chinese side did not show flexibility in their approach at the last round of talks on April 9. The Chinese military is currently conducting a drill at its training areas near the Ladakh region.

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‘Not an inch of land lost’, claims Army Chief Naravane on India-China border row

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Speaking on the India-China border row in Ladakh, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane on Tuesday said that India has not lost any territory to Beijing.

“We are where we were before this whole thing started. Not an inch of land has been lost,” he told the news agency ANI.

#WATCH: Army Chief General MM Naravane speaks to ANI on India-China disengagement in Ladakh. He says, “We have not lost out on any territory, we are where we were before this whole thing started…Not an inch of land has been lost.” pic.twitter.com/yIyyBR6Z4n

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

Indian and Chinese frontline troops started the disengagement process in the South and North of Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh last month.

The consensus on disengagement is believed to have reached during the ninth round of military talks between the two countries.

Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a border standoff in eastern Ladakh since early May last year. At least 20 Indian Army personnel were killed during a violent confrontation with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020.

The Chinese side had also suffered heavy casualties. India has maintained that it wants good relations with all the neighbours including China, but it cannot accept any unilateral change of the LAC.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)

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Jaishankar, Wang discuss implementation of ‘Moscow pact’ on border standoff, disengagement status

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday and discussed the implementation of their ‘Moscow Agreement’ on the border standoff in eastern Ladakh as well as reviewed the status of disengagement.

A five-point agreement was reached between Jaishankar and Wang at a meeting in Moscow on September 10 on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave.

The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the Line of Actual Control. “Spoke to State Councilor & Foreign Minister Wang Yi this afternoon. Discussed the implementation of our Moscow Agreement and reviewed the status of disengagement,” Jaishankar said in a tweet on Thursday.

Last week, armies of the two countries which have been locked in a standoff in eastern Ladakh concluded withdrawal of troops and weapons from north and south banks of Pangong Tso in the high-altitude region.

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Indo-China border standoff: Chinese, Indian troops begin disengagement process at Pangong lake

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Indian government sources told CNBC-TV18 that the disengagement of Indian and Chinese frontline troops has begun in South and North of Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh. Both sides have started pulling back armoured troops and the disengagement is taking place as per consensus achieved in the ninth round of Corp Commander talks.

The disengagement will take place in phases, sources said and added that Indian officials are closely verifying each step of the disengagement process and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to make an official statement tomorrow.

Earlier, the Chinese Defence Ministry said that both side have started a ‘synchronised and organised disengagement’ at Pangong.

The consensus on disengagement is believed to have reached during the ninth round of military talks between the two countries.

Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a border standoff in eastern Ladakh since early May last year. At least 20 Indian Army personnel were killed during a violent confrontation with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. The Chinese side had also suffered heavy casualties.

India has maintained that it wants good relations with all the neighbours including China, but it cannot accept any unilateral change of the LAC.

On Tuesday, the US said that it was closely monitoring the situation along the India-China border. “We are closely monitoring the situation. We note the ongoing talks between the governments of India and China, and we continue to support direct dialogue and a peaceful resolution of those border disputes,” State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters.

In the ninth round of military talks last month, India and China agreed to push for an early disengagement of troops and resolved to continue “effective efforts” to stabilise and control the situation in eastern Ladakh.

Responding to questions, Price said, “We are concerned by Beijing’s pattern of ongoing attempts to intimidate its neighbours. As always, we’ll stand with friends, we’ll stand with partners, we’ll stand with allies to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values in, in this case, the Indo-Pacific. The spokesperson also said that the United States regularly engages with the Indian government on the two countries’ shared commitment to democratic values.”

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India-China ties at crossroads, choices made will have repercussions for world: Jaishankar

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that India-China relationship today is at the crossroads, adding that choices made by the two countries will have profound repercussions for the entire world.

Addressing the 13th All India Conference of China Studies, Jaishankar said, “That is why the events in Eastern Ladakh last year have so profoundly disturbed the relationship because they not only signalled a disregard for commitments about minimising troop levels but also showed a willingness to breach peace and tranquility.”

He said that India is yet to receive a credible explanation for the change in China’s stance and massing of troops in border areas.

“Whether handling of the border areas is concerned, the Line of Actual Control must be strictly observed and respected. Any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo is completely unacceptable,” he said.

He said peace and tranquillity in border areas is the basis for the development of ties with China in other domains and if it is disturbed, “so inevitably is the rest of the relationship”.

Jaishankar’s remarks come days after Indian and Chinese troops were involved in a clash in the high-altitude Naku La region in North Sikkim on January 20, an incident described by the Indian Army as a “minor face-off”.

(With inputs from PTI)

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India, China to push for early disengagement of frontline troops

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The ninth round of Corps Commander level meeting was held between India and China on Sunday in which the two sides agreed to push for an early disengagement of the frontline troops, the Indian Army said on Monday.

The Corps Commander-level talks at the Moldo border point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh began at around 10.30 am on Sunday and ended at 2.30 am on Monday.

“The two sides agreed to continue their effective efforts in ensuring the restraint of the frontline troops, stabilize and control the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the China-India border, and jointly maintain peace and tranquility,” said the Indian Army in a statement.

“They also agreed to follow the important consensus of their state leaders, maintain the good momentum of dialogue and negotiation, and hold the 10th round of the Corps Commander Level Meeting at an early date to jointly advance de-escalation,” the statement added.

Earlier today, it came to light that Indian and Chinese troops were involved in a clash in the high-altitude Naku La region in North Sikkim on January 20, an incident described by the Indian Army as a “minor face-off”.

Close to 100,000 troops of the Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are deployed in eastern Ladakh as both sides have been holding on to their ground and showing readiness for a long-haul, amid continuing diplomatic and military talks to find an amicable solution.

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India-China border standoff: Armed forces ‘adequately mobilised’ to thwart any bid to undermine national security: Kovind

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday asserted that while India remains committed to peace, its armed forces are “adequately mobilised” in a “well-coordinated” move to thwart any attempt to undermine national security as he referred to the “expansionist” move by China in Ladakh last year. “Our national interest will be protected at all costs,” the President declared in his address to the nation on the eve of the 72nd Republic Day during which he also sought to allay fears of farmers over the three contentious farm laws.

“The path of reform at the initial stages may cause misapprehensions but the government is singularly devoted to the farmers’ welfare,” he said, as the protests by the farmer unions demanding repeal of the three laws continues at border points in Delhi. On the country’s efforts to fight COVID-19, the President said an effective response to the pandemic would not have been possible without the Constitutional value of ‘Fraternity’ among the people of the country. He also took pride in the fact that India was called as “pharmacy of the world” for supplying medicine to several countries to contain sufferings across the globe.

He felt that after about a year of this “unforeseen ordeal”, India today stands “not despondent but confident.” Paying tributes to the 20 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives at Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh last June during clashes with the Chinese troops, the President said the past year “was a time of adversity, and it came from many fronts.” “We faced an expansionist move on our borders, but our valiant soldiers foiled it. To achieve this objective, 20 of them had to lay down their lives.” Kovind said the nation shall remain grateful to those brave soldiers. “Though we reiterate our commitment to peace, our defence forces Army, Air Force and Navy are adequately mobilised in a well-coordinated move to thwart any attempt to undermine our security. Our national interest will be protected at all costs. We have also ensured a widespread understanding in the international community of India’s firm and principled stand,” the President said. India and China are locked in a nearly nine-month long military standoff in eastern Ladakh.

He said adversity often plays the role of a great teacher and makes people stronger and more confident. With that confidence, India has taken great strides in several sectors. “Economic reforms have continued apace and have been supplemented by long-pending reforms in the areas of labour and agriculture through legislation. The path to reform at the initial stages may cause misapprehensions. However, it is beyond doubt that the Government remains singularly devoted to farmers’ welfare,” he added.

Kovind said India is moving ahead and taking its rightful place in the world. “During the recent years, its arc of influence has been expanding and encompassing the larger part of the world. The manner in which India got overwhelming support of the international community for its entry as non-permanent member in the Security Council this year is indicative of that influence.” He said the engagement with world leaders has enhanced manifold and India, with its vibrant democracy, has rightfully earned its respect as a responsible and trustworthy nation.

Paying tributes to the farmers, the President said every Indian salutes our farmers who have made our vast and populous country self-reliant in food-grains and dairy products. He said that despite adversities of nature, numerous other challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic the farmers sustained the agricultural production.

“A grateful nation is fully committed to the welfare of our farmers.” The President said that like hardworking farmers ensure food security for the country, the brave soldiers of the armed forces ensure security of our national boundaries amid severest conditions. “From the freezing cold at Siachen and Galwan valley in Ladakh with temperatures as low as minus 50 to 60 degree Celsius to the scorching heat in Jaisalmer with temperatures as high as 50 degree Celsius on land, in the skies and at the vast coastal areas our warriors are vigilant every moment. Every citizen feels proud about the bravery, patriotism and the spirit of sacrifice among our soldiers,” he said.

He also spoke about the scientist community saying that by their contribution to food security, national security, protection against disease and disasters and to different areas of development they have strengthened the national endeavours. “From space to the farms, from educational institutions to hospitals, the community of scientists has enriched our life and work. Our scientists have been working day and night for decoding the Coronavirus and they have succeeded in developing the vaccine in record time. With this accomplishment, our scientists have added a glorious chapter of contribution to the well-being of humanity.” He said that the scientists, along with doctors, administrators and people from other walks of life, have made major contribution in containing the virus and keeping the fatality rate lower in our country, compared to that in developed countries.

“Today, India is being rightly called ‘pharmacy of the world’ as we are supplying medicines and other healthcare items to several countries to alleviate people’s suffering and contain the pandemic across the globe. Now we also provide vaccines to other countries,” the President added. “The net outcome of all these efforts is before us.” The slowdown has turned out to be transitory as the economy has regained its dynamism, the President said, adding that a self-reliant India has manufactured its own vaccine for COVID-19, and is now undertaking a mass vaccination drive, which will be the largest exercise of its kind in history.

“The administration and health services are working with full readiness to make this exercise a success. I urge upon the countrymen to utilise this lifeline and get vaccinated as per guidelines. Your health opens the way for your advancement,” he said. “I am sure that this love for humanity and the spirit of sacrifice will take us to great heights. He said let us look at 2020 as a year of learning.” He said the call of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’, or Self-reliant India Mission’ given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was for converting a crisis into an opportunity and is in line with the aspiration to shape a new India by the year 2022 when our country turns 75.

“This will be a significant milestone in the journey of the nation as we are determined to achieve major goals: from providing pucca houses with basic facilities for every family to doubling the income of farmers. In order to build an inclusive society of new India, we are giving special emphasis on education, health, nutrition, upliftment of the under-privileged and welfare of women,” he added. Recalling the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi for making all efforts to wipe tears from every eye, the President asked people to remember Constitutional mantras — Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity — and added that equality is the watchword for the great project of the Republic.

“Social equality warrants dignity for each one of us, villagers, women, weaker sections of our society, namely, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Divyang-jan and the elderly people. Economic equality entails equal opportunity for all and handholding for the downtrodden.”

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