- The Indian-China stand-off on the line of actual control along the Eastern Ladakh region is well into its second year now. The troop and military inventory mobilization continue unabated as the two protagonists are well entrenched along their respective borders to protect the sovereignty of the nation. Despite several rounds of diplomatic and military level talks, the fallout of the misadventure of the Chinese establishment sees no signs of remission. With both sides sticking to their stated position and not prepared to cede an inch, there is little headway made to cool the tense situation along the borders.
PC: DHL
- As reported, India and China are leaving no stone unturned in further consolidating their respective sides with increased infrastructure strengthening. The Chinese misadventure, belligerence, aggressiveness, and scant disregard for the rules-based world order have forced a significant realignment vis-à-vis geopolitical and geostrategic alliances between the like-minded nations. The United States of America has taken a lead in forging critical alliances to corner the Dragon Nation whose ambition knows no bounds. Against this backdrop, visiting US Army’s Pacific Commanding General’s comments has once again drawn attention to China’s rapid build-up of military infrastructure along the LAC.
- This is significant coming ahead of the second anniversary of the Galwan clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh. Let us delve further to comprehend what the General intended to convey. As you are aware, there’s no denying that China is rapidly building dual-use border infrastructure. From troop shelters, gun positions, helipads, and jetties in disputed areas in eastern Ladakh to border villages along with Arunachal Pradesh, China has been solidifying its position all across the 3,488 km LAC. This comes close to the heels of two new Chinese bridges across the Pangong Tso.
PC: Elizabeth Roche
- Indications are that China is in no mood to disengage from its border standoff with India. And with Chinese President Xi Jinping aiming to secure an unprecedented third term at the helm of the Chinese party-state at the 20th Chinese Communist Party Congress later this year, he is unlikely to compromise on his aggressive foreign policy posture. Mind you, the only way India can counter this is by ramping up its own border infrastructure development. In this direction, the Government of India increased the capital outlay for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) by 40% in the last Union Budget, which included a six-fold hike in allocation for Arunachal Pradesh’s Border Area Development Programme.
- In fact, India has quickened the pace of its border infrastructure development since the Galwan clashes, inaugurating multiple bridges, and border roads along the LAC. Further, it is also planning to enhance rail connectivity in the Northeast and in May 2020 increased the BRO’s procurement powers from Rs. 7.5 crore to Rs. 100 crore, allowing it to acquire critical equipment for speedier laying of border roads and other construction. But more needs to be done though. Yes, tactical collaboration with the US and other countries should be further strengthened. The upcoming Yudh Abhyas joint exercise with Americans in the Himalayas and the finalizing of a logistics support pact with Vietnam are some of the steps in the right direction.
