The army chief, General MM Naravane, also distributed sweets and cakes before Christmas.
Highlight
- The army chief today visited several high-altitude outpost areas in Ladakh
- General MM Naravane reviewed India’s general military readiness
- 50,000 soldiers deployed in high combat status in eastern Ladakh
New Delhi:
Army chief Gen. MM Naravane visited several high-altitude outpost areas in eastern Ladakh on Wednesday and reviewed India’s overall military readiness as the tense border standoff with China in the region dragged on for more than seven months, the army and official sources said.
The Army said General Naravane visited advanced areas, including Rechin La, and conducted a first-hand assessment of the situation along the Royal Line of Control (LAC) in Ladakh.
About 50,000 Indian Army soldiers are deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in freezing temperatures. China has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials.
Lieutenant General PGK Menon, commander of the Leh-based 14th Corps, popularly known as the “Fire and Fury” Corps, briefed the Army chief on various aspects of the situation in eastern Ladakh.
The Army said General Naravane interacted with troops deployed in advanced areas and urged them to continue working with the same “zeal and enthusiasm.”
Sources said General Naravane arrived in Ladakh at 8:30 am on a one-day visit with the aim of reviewing the situation on the ground in the region that is experiencing a harsh winter.
“General MM Naravane #COAS visited the forward areas of the #FireandFury Corps, including Rechin La, and conducted a first-hand assessment of the situation across LAC. The #GOC #FireandFury Corps and other local commanders briefed him on the operational readiness of our forces. “, the Army tweeted.
The Army said General Naravane interacted with troops deployed in advanced areas and urged them to continue working with the same “zeal and enthusiasm.”
He also distributed sweets and cakes before Christmas.
About three and a half months ago, Indian troops had occupied a series of strategic heights in the areas of the Mukhpari, Rechin La and Magar hills around the southern shore of Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh after the People’s Army of The Liberation of China (PLA) will attempt to intimidate them in the area on the middle night of August 29-30.
India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks in recent months to resolve the confrontation.
“General MM Naravane #COAS conducted an on-site inspection of the #habitat status of the troops on the #RechinLa front line of defense.
He appreciated the efforts made by the training so that the troops feel comfortable throughout #LAC, “the Army said in another tweet.
He said the army chief also visited the Tara forward base and interacted with local commanders and troops. I appreciated their high morale and preparedness.
The military confrontation broke out on May 5 after violent clashes between the Indian army and the PLA in the Pangong Lake area. The clashes were followed by a similar incident in North Sikkim on May 9.
Last week, India and China held another round of diplomatic talks during which they agreed to continue working to ensure complete disengagement of troops at all sticking points throughout LAC in eastern Ladakh as “before”.
In the talks it was agreed that the next round of military dialogue should be held at an early date so that both parties can work towards a prompt and complete withdrawal of troops in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and protocols.
India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks in recent months to resolve the confrontation. However, no concrete progress has been made so far.
.
