Indian And Chinese Local Military Commanders Hold Talks, Fine-Tuning Modalities For Troop Deployment In Harsh Winters

Indian and Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) local commanders met several times in the past ten days to fine-tune modalities for reduced troop deployment ahead of the harsh winters, reported Indian Express.

This will be the fourth winter since Indian and Chinese PLA troops have been in a standoff after clashes at Galwan Valley in June 2020, in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The focus is on ruling out any incidents as troop deployments are adjusted in preparation for the challenging months ahead.

According to the report, agenda-based meetings have been occurring at multiple points along the LAC for approximately 10 days. These discussions involve local commanders at the brigade and lower levels, aiming to resolve minor issues and prevent incidents during the winter.

Additional meetings are expected in the coming weeks, continuing the efforts of confidence-building measures (CBMs) discussed during the Corps Commander-level talks.

Recent rounds of military discussions covered various CBMs, including adherence to existing border protocols and the advance sharing of patrol information to prevent ground clashes.

The Indian Army has already begun transitioning into its winter posture, and another round of high-level military talks is anticipated before the onset of summer.

“Even as these CBMs are being implemented along the LAC, the Army has continued to maintain adequate reserves in the depth areas as part of preparations to deal with any contingency that may crop up,” the report quoted an official as saying.

The redeployment of troops along the LAC, involving a reduction in troop strength in eastern Ladakh while maintaining adequate reserves in depth areas is part of the strategy.

The deployment of the latest surveillance devices for keeping an eye on Chinese movements, along with plans for winter air surveillance operations and limited patrolling by troops as needed, is also in progress.

In the 20th round of Corps Commanders talks last month (9-10 October), both sides failed to break the deadlock, and there was no movement forward.

However, both sides had agreed to hold local commander-level talks in the winter months to prevent any incidents in the harsh winter months. Also, both sides have agreed not to re-induct additional troops in the summer months.

India, in the talks, wanted access to all its old patrolling points along the LAC, early disengagement at remaining friction points like Depsang Plains and Demchok, and overall de-escalation of troops in the Ladakh region.

While some friction points, including Galwan Valley and parts of Pangong Tso, have seen resolution with the establishment of buffer zones, legacy points like Depsang Plains and Demchok are still awaiting disengagement.

(Also Read: How The Indian Army Is Gearing Up For Another Round Of Winter Deployment Amid Renewed Hopes Of De-Escalation With China)