The Army Chief characterized the current situation in eastern Ladakh as stable but not normal

 

The Army Chief characterized the current situation in eastern Ladakh as stable but not normal, with General Dwivedi highlighting the erosion of trust between Indian and Chinese forces at the Line of Actual Control as a significant consequence. General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the sensitivity of the situation at the India-China border during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, stating the need to return to the pre-April 2020 status. 

China's incursion into the Indian side of the border in April 2020 was noted as a defining event in the ongoing standoff. The Indian forces successfully foiled the attempt. Tension persists in eastern Ladakh along the border with China. China's hostile actions have negatively impacted its diplomatic relations with India. 

Last week, India's Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, characterized the country's diplomatic relations with China as greatly disrupted. General Dwivedi noted that the trust between Indian and Chinese forces at the LAC has suffered significantly, with China posing a persistent puzzle for Indian officials. In relations with China, one must engage in competition, collaboration, coexistence, confrontation, and contention. 

What is the current status today? It is stable, but not typical and delicate. We seek a return to the pre-April 2020 conditions, including the reinstatement of original ground occupation, buffer zone configurations, and planned patrolling arrangements. Until the situation is resolved, we consider it to be sensitive and are fully prepared to handle any contingency that may arise. He stated that trust has emerged as the primary casualty.