- Wednesday, April 24, 2024
By: Shubham Ghosh
THE Indian Army will continue to deal with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in a firm and resolute manner in eastern Ladakh and it has been maintaining the highest level of operational preparedness in the region, Indian Army chief general MM Naravane on Wednesday (12) said.
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi ahead of the Army Day, general Naravane said although there has been partial engagement in the region, the “threat by no means has reduced”.
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“We have continued to maintain the highest levels of operational preparedness while at the same time engaging with the Chinese PLA through dialogue,” he added.
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On the day when India and China had their 14th round of talks over the confrontation in eastern Ladakh, Naravane said the Indian Army is more than adequately prepared to deal with any military ramification of Beijing’s new land boundary law.
“We will continue to deal with the Chinese PLA in a firm and resolute manner,” Naravane said, adding necessary safeguards are in place to take care of any contingencies.
The army chief also referred to development of infrastructure along the country’s northern borders, saying the initiative has been undertaken in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
He said major efforts are undertaken to see what all dual-use infrastructure in the border areas can be made use of.
Naravane said the response by his forces to China’s attempts to unilaterally change the status quo was very robust.
“We are much better prepared to meet any challenge that is thrown up at us,” he said.
When asked about the 14th round of military talks with China that is underway on Wednesday, he said India was hopeful of resolving issues at Patrolling Point 15 (Hot Springs).
Naravane also said the report of the army into the December 4 Nagaland firing incident is expected to come out in a day or two. He said appropriate action will be taken based on the report.
