Updated: September 16, 2020 6:46:04 pm
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh poses with officers at an outpost in Ladakh on Friday, July 17, 2020. The Chief of Defense General Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, and the Army Chief, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, accompany him on the visit. (Photo by PTI / Manash Bhuyan)
Stating that it is fully prepared to fight a full-blown war even in winters in eastern Ladakh, the Indian military said on Wednesday that if China created the conditions for war, they would face better-trained, better-prepared Indian troops, completely rested and psychologically hardened. .
In a statement, he said that compared to Indian troops physically and psychologically hardened by the battle, Chinese troops mostly come from urban areas and are not used to hardships or prolonged deployment in field conditions.
The headquarters of the Army Northern Command made these claims in reaction to China’s official media. Global Times reports that India’s operational logistics are not properly prepared and will not be able to fight effectively during winters.
“This can best be attributed to ignorance. The Indian army is fully prepared and more than capable of waging a full-blown war even in winters in eastern Ladakh, ”a Northern Command spokesman said here.
“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 border problems with China in eastern Ladakh, at the military level it is well prepared for the protracted confrontation, ”he said.
He said altitudes in Ladakh range from “high to very high altitudes” and there is a lot of snowfall, up to 40 feet after November.
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Along with this, the drop in temperature to minus 30 to 40 degrees Celsius 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, the most encouraging thing for India is that the Indian soldiers have a lot of experience in winter warfare and are psychologically prepared to operate on short notice, ”said the spokesman.
While these facts are known to the world, he said, adding that the operational logistics capabilities, however, are hardly known.
“The logistical capacity is related to mobility, habitat and accommodation, quality services for health, special rations, repair and recovery, heating systems, high-quality weapons, ammunition, quality clothing, etc. While many of these capabilities existed before and troops could simply connect and play, there has also been a lot of boost since May this year, when China showed the first signs of aggression, ”he said.
The spokesman said it is important to understand that the Army has the experience of Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world, where conditions are much more demanding than the borders with China.
“Traditionally there were two routes to enter Ladakh, that is, via Zojila (Srinagar-Leh highway) and Rohtang (Manali-Leh) passes. India recently commissioned a third road from Darcha to Leh, which is much shorter in distance and less likely to be closed, ”he said.
The spokesperson said the completion of Atal tunnel on the Rohtang route has strength multiplied logistical capabilities.
“In addition, we have a large number of air bases with the help of which we can maintain the Army well. Modern snow clearance equipment has also been placed on these routes to keep them open beyond November, which gives us more time for daily maintenance of the troops, ”he said.
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The spokesman said that special fuels and lubricants for tanks and armored personnel carriers, including spare parts for maintenance, have also been properly stored.
“Water points and tube wells have been established for the troops and animals such as mules and yaks. They have also prepared living barracks that are comfortable and warm, ”he said.
He said that facilities such as the central heating system are some of the high points of these facilities.
“Ammunition of various types, including small arms, missiles and ammunition from tanks and artillery, have also been adequately stored. The medical system is also in operation for any eventuality ”.
The spokesperson said that “China’s concept has always been to win wars without fighting, therefore if they create the conditions for war, they will find Indian troops better trained, better prepared, fully rested and psychologically hardened.
“These concerns have been seeping into the minds of Chinese troops and are visible in the Chinese media,” he said.
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