Lessons From Ladakh Standoff: High Operational Readiness And Infrastructure Development: Army Chief

One of the most important lessons from the India-China standoff at the border in eastern Ladakh, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, was to maintain a “higher level of operational preparedness at all times,” Another was to improve infrastructure, especially along the northern borders.

Following the recent withdrawal of Chinese and Indian forces from Patrolling Point 15 in the Gogra-Hotsprings, the Army chief was asked what would come next. He responded, “Regarding disengaging from friction spots, we have achieved progress. There are two more places where moving ahead will be difficult.”

“As we go, negotiating at both the military and diplomatic levels, we are optimistic. And I have no doubt that we will be able to resolve these sticking points. Our immediate goal is to disengage from these flashpoints before considering the potential next phase of de-escalation, which will require troop withdrawal “Added he.

The army chief responded when questioned about the state of affairs in the Kashmir valley following the event that saw Article 370 repealed: “The degree of violence has greatly decreased. Protests and stone-pelting events have decreased in the hinterland” Infiltration at the Line of Control (LoC) has decreased, he added.

After a violent altercation in the Pangong lake areas on May 5, 2020, India and China have been engaged in a standoff at the eastern Ladakh border ever since.

On September 12, the military forces of India and China finished disengaging the troops from Patrolling Point-15, which is located in eastern Ladakh’s Gogra-Hot Springs region, and demolished the temporary facilities there.

The strategy, which included a joint inspection of the entire procedure, was followed by the two sides disengaging.

The pullout is probably going to pave the way for additional talks on settling the more significant skirmishes at the strategically positioned Depsang Plains and Demchok.