Technology new strategic arena of competition, driving geo-political powerplay: Army Chief
The Army Chief said emergency procurement powers given by the Centre has helped the force to modernise itself.
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande today said the situation along the LAC with China was stable but unpredictable while emphasising that India has ramped up infrastructure and deployed adequate troops and equipment to deal with any situation on the border.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the Army Day on 15 January, he noted that the two countries have been able to resolve five of the seven issues along the LAC through military and diplomatic talks and remain engaged to settle the remaining issues.
Gen Pande acknowledged that there has been a marginal increase in the deployment of Chinese troops in the eastern sector but asserted that the Indian Army was adequately deployed there to meet any eventuality.
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The Army chief said the Indian soldiers deployed along the LAC have been able to prevent any attempts by the ”adversary” to unilaterally change the status quo. ”The Indian Army is closely watching the situation at Doklam and monitoring Chinese activities there,” he added.
The infrastructure development carried out by India along the LAC comprised roads, bridges, tunnels as well heated shelters and habitats for its troops, he said, adding nearly Rs 1,300 crores have been spent on building infrastructure, including habitat, in eastern Ladakh in recent months.
About the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the Line of Control (LoC), Gen Pande said the ceasefire agreement that Pakistan signed in February 2021 was still holding well. However, cross-border support for terrorism and terror infrastructure remained an issue. He also said that peace has returned to most parts of the Northeast.
The Army chief a proposal for the induction of women personnel into artillery units has been sent to the government.
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