Indian soldiers have great experience in winter warfare, an Indian army officer said Wednesday, adding that the troops are psychologically tuned to operate on short notice. The comment follows rounds of bullets fired into the air last week on the north shore of Pangong Tso amid a protracted standoff with China along the Royal Line of Control (LAC).
It can be said that retired Indian army generals and defense analysts anticipate a long road and a hot winter in eastern Ladakh this year.
“India is a peace-loving country and wants to have good relations with its neighbors. India always prefers to solve problems through dialogue. While talks are underway to resolve the issue of the borders with China in eastern Ladakh, at the military level it is well prepared for the prolonged confrontation, ”the official said.
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“The altitudes in Ladakh vary from high to super high and there is a lot of snowfall, after the month of November you experience up to 40 feet of snow. Along with this, the drop in temperature to minus 30 to 40 degrees is a common phenomenon. The wind chill factor makes things even worse for the troops. Roads are also closed due to snow. But despite all this, what is most encouraging for India is that Indian soldiers have a great deal of experience in winter warfare and are psychologically prepared to operate on short notice. Although this fact is known in the world, the operational logistics capacities are hardly known ”, he added.
Army spokesman Col Navneet chided Global Times media reports that India’s operational logistics were not properly prepared and will not be able to fight effectively during winters.
The spokesperson further said that logistical capacity relates to mobility, habitat and accommodation, quality health services, special rations, repair and recovery, heating systems, high-quality weapons, ammunition, quality clothing, etc.
“While much of this capability existed before and troops could just connect and play, it has also been boosted a lot since May this year when China showed the first signs of aggression,” he said.
It is important to understand that the Army has experience in Siachen where conditions are much more demanding than the borders with China.
Traditionally, there were two routes to enter Ladakh, that is, through the Zojila and Rohtang passes.
India recently commissioned the third road from Darcha to Leh, which is much shorter in distance and less likely to be closed. The completion of the Atal tunnel on the Rohtang route has forcefully multiplied logistics capabilities.
Special fuels and lubricants for tanks and armored personnel carriers, including spare parts for maintenance, have also been adequately stored.
Water points and tube wells have been established for troops and animals such as mules and yaks.
Living barracks that are comfortable and warm have also been prepared. Facilities such as the central heating system are some of the high points of these facilities.
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