'LAC situation with China not normal': Army chief says India is 'fully prepared'
PTC News Desk: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue on Tuesday, stated that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China is "stable but not normal." He added that the current state of affairs remains "sensitive" and India is fully prepared for any contingency.
General Dwivedi stated that India intends to restore the situation to its pre-2020 state, before the military standoff began in May 2020. This would include returning to previous conditions regarding ground occupation, buffer zones, and patrols. He stated that until this restoration is completed, the situation will remain sensitive.
"The situation is stable, but it is not normal and is sensitive. If that be the case what are we wanting? We want that the situation that was there pre-April 2020 should be restored," the Army Chief said.
"With China, you must compete, cooperate, coexist, confront, and contest. So until that situation is restored, as far as we are concerned, the situation will remain sensitive and we are fully operationally prepared to face any kind of contingency. Trust has become the biggest casualty."
Clashes between India and China broke out in Ladakh's Galwan Valley in June 2020, signalling a turning point in the two countries' ties. Despite 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks, significant friction points in eastern Ladakh, such as Depsang and Demchok, have yet to be resolved.
- PTC NEWS