A Corps Commander-level talks between the armed forces of India and China has begun at the Chushul border meeting point in Eastern Ladakh on Monday. This is the 19th round of talks along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after the border row between the two countries escalated over the last few years.
During the talks, India is expected to seek early disengagement of troops from the remaining friction points. India may also seek strict adherence to border protocols and mutual exchange of patrol information to avoid clashes between troops, said reports.
Though the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks, several regions, including Depsang in the Daulet Beg Oldi sector and Charding Nullah Junction (CNJ) in the Demchok sector, continues to witness a strong military presence.
Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the region.
Interestingly, the talks are set to happen ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to South Africa’s Johannesburg on August 22-24 to attend the BRICS Summit Though no such plans have been announced yet, the possibility of a meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has not been ruled out yet. Xi will also be in New Delhi for the G20 summit in September.
The 18th round of talks was held in April where both sides agreed to continue discussions through military and diplomatic channels. The latest round of talks also comes as Indian and Chinese Foreign Ministers and National Security Advisors met recently.
Over 68,000 airlifted
Reports quoting sources in the defence and security establishment said India had airlifted over 68,000 Army soldiers, around 90 tanks and other weapon systems to eastern Ladakh from across the country for rapid deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after the deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley.
The IAF deployed its Su-30 MKI and Jaguar jets for round-the-clock surveillance and intelligence gathering on the enemy build-up, besides putting several squadrons of combat aircraft in "offensive posturing" since the 2020 clashes.
The troops and weapons were ferried by the transport fleet of the IAF within a "very short period of time" for quick deployment in various inhospitable areas along the LAC under a special operation, the sources said while highlighting how the force's strategic airlift capability has increased over the years.
In view of the escalating tensions, the IAF had also deployed a sizeable number of remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) in the region to keep a hawk-eye vigil on Chinese activities, they said.
Over 68,000 troops, more than 90 tanks, nearly 330 BMP infantry combat vehicles, radar systems, artillery guns and many other equipment were moved to LAC after the Galwan clashes, they said. The total load carried by the transport fleet of the IAF, which included C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster aircraft, was 9,000 tonnes and displayed the IAF's increasing strategic airlift capabilities, they added.
A number of fighter jets, including Rafale and Mig-29 aircraft, were deployed for combat air patrol while various helicopters of the IAF were pressed into service for the transport of prefabricated structures, ammunition and spares of military equipment to mountainous bases.
The sources said the range of surveillance by Su-30 MKI and Jaguar fighter jets was around 50 km and they ensured that the positions and movements of Chinese troops were accurately monitored.
The IAF also quickly enhanced its air defence capabilities and combat readiness by installing various radars and bringing a range of surface-to-air guided weapons to frontline bases along the LAC in the region, they said.
The strategy was to strengthen military posture, maintain credible forces and monitor the enemy build-up to effectively deal with any situation, the sources said, referring to India's overall approach.
The IAF platforms operated in extremely difficult circumstances and accomplished all their mission goals, said a source without sharing further details. The overall operation demonstrated the IAF's growing airlift capability compared to what it was during 'Operation Parakram', said another source.
(With inputs from PTI)
