Troop deployment on Indian border: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi described the situation along India’s northern borders with China as “sensitive but stable.” He announced on Monday that there would be no reduction in troop deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) this winter season.
General Dwivedi explained that the decision to maintain the current level of deployment reflects the prevailing conditions, and the situation will be reassessed before the summer deployment based on the progress of negotiations between India and China.
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Speaking at the annual press conference ahead of the 77th Army Day celebrations, General Dwivedi stated, “Troop deployment is directly dependent on the trust factor… troop deployment and infrastructure development are dependent on the capability on the other side, not merely on the presence of troops. As of today, the capability entails that we should continue to maintain this level of deployment.”
He further elaborated on the two types of troop deployment “We have two kinds of deployment — summer deployment and winter deployment. During winter, the number of troops usually comes down. However, for this winter, we are not planning any reduction in troops. For the summer deployment, we will review the situation, taking into account the number of negotiations, conferences, and meetings that have taken place. Based on the indications and assurances at that time, we may decide to revise our strategy” he said according to Asianet. This marked his first press conference since assuming the role of Chief of Army Staff last year.
India and China have been involved in a tense border standoff since April-May 2020, which escalated with the deadly Galwan Valley clash on June 15, 2020. This violent confrontation resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an equal number of casualties on the Chinese side. Despite several rounds of talks at the military, diplomatic, and ministerial levels, the border situation has been challenging to navigate. However, both nations have managed to stabilize the situation in recent months.
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General Dwivedi highlighted some of the progress made, particularly in areas like Depsang plains and Demchok. “In Depsang and Demchok, both sides have agreed to return to areas where we traditionally patrolled. Two rounds of verification patrols have been conducted by both sides, and both are quite satisfied with the arrangements,” he said. He also addressed grazing rights, saying, “Regarding grazing grounds, we have mutually agreed, and graziers are now allowed access. Earlier, we restricted grazing activity to avoid any inadvertent escalation of the situation.”
The Army Chief stressed the importance of monitoring the opposing side’s capabilities while maintaining trust. This approach he recommended is important to ensuring that India’s border management remains strong while remaining open to dialogue and further stabilization efforts.
