Chinese military drills near Ladakh region, Indian Army keeping a close watch says Gen Naravane

There have been a number of reports confirming presence of large number of Chinese PLA troops in depth areas opposite Ladakh. The PLA units have been deployed for training, but the point to note is that it is from these training areas that they had transgressed into Ladakh last year, resulting in a major standoff.

The Indian Army is keeping a constant eye on activities by the Chinese military including a drill it is conducting in its training areas near Ladakh region and there were no ”violations” by either side since the implementation of the disengagement in Pangong lake areas, Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane said on Wednesday. While the COAS said that the disengagement process has gone off well, Indian troops are maintaining an effective vigil to deal with any eventualities along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. On specifically being asked about the PLA deployment in training areas, he said that the Indian Army is watching it closely. Gen Naravane also confirmed that there were no “transgressions and violations” since the disengagement process took place in February and both sides are observing it in letter and spirit.

While confirming that Indian Army will maintain its enhanced presence along Northern Borders till de-escalation is achieved, the Army Chief said that he is hopeful of the progress of talks and building up trust for disengagement in other areas. After the 11th round of talks, China maintained their inflexible stand regarding other areas of friction like Depsang, Hot Spring and Gogra and the heavy deployment in training areas can be seen as a confirmation of Chinese stance of not agreeing to further disengagements along LAC. China has built permanent structures between Kangxiwar, which is located on the Xinjiang-Tibet (G219) highway just north of Aksai Chin, and Rudok, a town in Tibet just south of the eastern end of Pangong Lake.

Indian Army also moves into its training areas during this period and is expected to carry out exercises in the depth areas. With more than 90% of the armed forces personnel vaccinated, mobilisation and quick deployment will not be affected by the pandemic. Indian Army has also planned reorientation of its offensive formations to give more focus onto Northern front, keeping in mind the changed threat perceptions.