India is engaging with the Chinese PLA in dialogue to resolve its border dispute, while also continuing to maintain the highest level of operational preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Army Chief General MM Naravane informed on Wednesday in a press briefing.
While commenting on the eastern Ladakh border row, the Army chief said that on northern borders, India continues to maintain the highest level of operational preparedness while at the same time engaging with the PLA through dialogue.
The Army chief also asserted that India will continue to deal with the Chinese troops in a “firm and resolute” manner and that they are “more than adequately” prepared to deal with any military ramifications.
“While there has been partial engagement, the threat has by no means been reduced,” General Naravane said.
The Army chief said that they are hopeful of resolving issues at Patrolling Point 15 (Hot Springs) as the two countries held the 14th round of military talks on the eastern Ladakh standoff.
“Talks are underway. While talks are underway, there is always hope that we will be able to resolve our differences through dialogue. We are much better prepared to meet any challenge that is thrown up at us in the future and I can assure you on that very confidently,” he said.
Regarding the situation on the northern border, he said, “war or conflict is always an instrument of last resort. But if resorted to, we will come out victorious.” He also noted that since January last year, there have been positive developments along the northern and western borders of India.
While taking questions on the situation along the LOC, the Army chief said that there has been an increase in the number of terrorists in various launch pads along the Line of Control and there have been repeated attempts of infiltration.”On the western front, along the Line of Control, after a heightened situation for a long period…the situation has seen a marked improvement. But notwithstanding that there is an increase in the concentration of terrorists in various launch pads along the Line of Control and there have been repeated attempts of infiltration,” he said.
“This exposes the nefarious designs of our western neighbour. But we in our party have resolved to show zero tolerance,” he added.
The Army chief further asserted that necessary safeguards are in place to take care of any contingencies along India’s northern border.
