India Redirects 10,000 Soldiers From Western Front To China Border, To Secure Stretch In Uttarakhand, Himachal: Report

India has redirected thousands of soldiers to bolster its contested border with China, potentially straining its already tense relationship with Beijing.

According to a report from The Economic Times, a 10,000-strong unit previously stationed on the western border has been reassigned to guard a portion of the border with China.

Additionally, an existing 9,000-strong contingent assigned to the disputed border will now fall under a newly established fighting command.

Together, these forces will secure a 532 km stretch of the border that separates China's Tibet region from India's northern states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

The decision to deploy troops, along with dedicated artillery and air support, to this border area underscores its strategic significance and increasing sensitivity for India's leadership.

This region, situated in the Himalayas, holds some of Hinduism's most sacred sites. Over the past decade, it has witnessed significant infrastructure development and investment, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to promote tourism in the area.

Following a deadly border clash in 2020 that resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers, India redeployed an additional 50,000 troops to patrol its border with China.

Both countries have since bolstered military infrastructure, deployed missiles and aircraft, and increased troop presence along the border.

India's Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane recently acknowledged the ongoing tension, stating at a business event last month that the potential for a situation similar to the 2020 clash keeps them vigilant.

India-China relations deteriorated after the 2020 clash, and despite 21 rounds of military-diplomatic talks, significant progress has not been made. India has also enacted laws to discourage Chinese investments and business operations in the country.