Posted: September 3, 2020 8:23:25 pm
Rawat said that India’s policy of compromise, if not backed by credible military might and regional influence, would imply recognizing China’s preeminence in the region (AP / Archive)
Amid China’s attempts to change the status quo along the Royal Line of Control (LAC) in Ladakh, Defense Chief of Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat said Thursday that the country’s armed forces are capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in the “best proper way”.
“Lately, India has been seeing some aggressive actions from China, but we are able to handle them in the best proper way,” Rawat was quoted as saying by PTI in an interactive session at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.
Rawat’s remarks come after the Foreign Ministry said that the situation observed in the eastern border areas of Ladakh over the past four months is a “Direct result” of actions taken by China aimed at effecting a unilateral change in the status quo in the region.
Tensions soared in Ladakh after the Indian Army announced this week that it had taken “steps to strengthen our positions and thwart Chinese intentions” to change the status quo on the southern shore of Pangong Tso. This is the last point of friction between the two armies since the confrontation began in early May.
Read also | Indian troops moved to two LAC locations on two different days to foil raid offers from China
In a warning to Pakistan, Rawat said the country would suffer “heavy losses” if it attempts any setback against India by taking advantage of the border dispute with China.
The former Army Chief of Staff said that India’s engagement policy, if not backed by credible military might and regional influence, would entail acknowledging China’s preeminence in the region, adding that the country faces the most threats and challenges. complexes that cover a full spectrum of potential conflicts. – from nuclear to sub-conventional – but claimed that the armed forces are prepared to deal with them.
The Chief of Defense Staff also attacked Pakistan for its indirect war against India and “pushing the terrorists to Jammu and Kashmir, he tried to spread terrorism in other parts of the country.”
He also addressed a number of other topics, including India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region, the importance of defense and security ties with the US, and the government’s focus on self-reliance in defense manufacturing. .
(PTI inputs)
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