Rajnath Singh
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed on Tuesday that negotiations with China would persist in pursuit of a peaceful resolution to lingering issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, with Indian troops maintaining a steadfast presence along the northern borders.
Addressing the country’s top generals at the bi-annual Army Commanders’ Conference, Singh emphasized the importance of disengagement and de-escalation in resolving tensions. He recently celebrated Holi with soldiers stationed in Leh, lauding Ladakh as the epitome of valour and bravery and highlighting the Indian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers.
The military standoff between India and China in the region has endured for nearly four years, with recent talks on February 19, 2024, yielding no immediate breakthrough. Despite partial disengagements in several areas, both countries maintain sizable troop deployments and advanced weaponry along the Ladakh theatre, with outstanding issues in Depsang and Demchok yet to be resolved.
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Singh commended the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for its significant contributions to enhancing road communication in forward areas. The recent inauguration of the Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscores the importance of infrastructure upgrades in facilitating military mobility and logistics support in strategically vital sectors like Tawang, where Indian forces closely monitor the border with China.
With regards to the western borders with Pakistan, Singh praised the Indian Army’s efforts in countering cross-border terrorism, emphasizing the need for continued synergy between the armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and police units to combat threats effectively in Jammu and Kashmir. He underscored the importance of ongoing operations contributing to regional stability and urged for their continuation.
