De-escalation unlikely soon? 40,000 Chinese troops present in Eastern Ladakh
Despite multiple rounds of talks at diplomatic and military levels, disengagement at volatile areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) seems to have hit a roadblock with thousands of Chinese soldiers still being present at the front and depth areas of Eastern Ladakh, multiple reports said. China has not honored its part of the deal in the de-escalation process. Here are more details.
Situation still tense in places like Pangong Tso and Depsang
An official, aware of the developments, told HT that there has been no progress in de-escalation in key areas, including Pangong Tso and Depsang. To recall, Eastern Ladakh is the same area where 20 Indian soldiers were martyred last month after the People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched an attack. China also suffered casualties in the Galwan Valley clash but didn't disclose the numbers.
Dialogue was initiated at various levels after Galwan clash
Following the bloody episode, India and China launched dialogues at various levels. Earlier this month, NSA Ajit Doval spoke to China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as both are Special Representatives for boundary talks. Subsequently, it was reported that the Chinese have gone back by at least one kilometer in Galwan Valley. Doval and Wang, after breaking the stalemate, agreed that military-level talks mustn't stop.
Days ago, military commanders spoke for nearly 15 hours
On July 14-15, the fourth round of military-level talks happened between the neighbors, that went on for nearly 15 hours. India's representative, XIV Corps Commander Lt. General Harinder Singh, remained firm that PLA needs to return to its positions. But China doesn't seem keen on withdrawing troops. A report in NDTV said Beijing hasn't shown willingness to vacate the Finger 5 area.
Heavy presence of Chinese forces at some points: Reports
Citing sources, India Today said China has almost stopped de-escalation at friction points. "They are maintaining a heavy presence of troops who can be numbered easily to be around 40,000," sources told the daily. The only areas that have seen disengagement to some extent are Galwan Valley and Hot Springs. At Gogra, where both armies started creating a "buffer zone," things haven't moved well.
Meanwhile, India also seems ready for a long haul
Notably, India also refused to be cowed into submission and has more than matched up the troops' build-up of the Chinese. New Delhi seems prepared for a long haul and is certain the disengagement process could stretch till the winters. Last week, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also indicated that de-escalation is a complex process and he wasn't sure how much "talks would help."
Fighter jets, tanks, Army divisions have been sent by India
Understanding the threat China poses, India has deployed its resources to Ladakh. Thus far, three extra Army divisions have been sent to the high-altitude areas. Fighter jets, several squadrons of frontline tanks, additional artillery, and infantry squads were also sent. Reports claimed India could station two new Rafale jets there, as well. On the other hand, China also deployed fighter jets, helicopters, etc.
China would be happy with status quo, opined experts
As the hostilities continue, experts said the ball is in India's court and it has to decide the next move. "The Chinese would be happy with status quo as they are already sitting in what we consider to be Indian territory. They have only carried out minimal disengagement," former Northern Army commander Lieutenant General (Retd.) DS Hooda told HT.
