New Delhi [India], January 13: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi provided an update on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), describing it as “stable but sensitive.” He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had engaged with the Chinese leadership on the issue.
Speaking on the matter, Dwivedi noted, “The situation is stable but sensitive. A series of meetings have been held, and even the Prime Minister has met with the Chinese leadership.”
He elaborated on the developments in the Depsang and Demchok regions of Ladakh, explaining that since April 20, both India and China had moved forward, halting each other’s access to traditional patrolling areas. “From April 20 onwards, both sides have moved forward and stopped the other side from going into traditional patrolling areas,” Dwivedi said, adding that both countries had completed two rounds of verification patrolling and were satisfied with the process.
Regarding the grazing grounds, the Army Chief clarified that both sides had mutually agreed upon their use. “There is no such thing as a buffer zone,” he emphasized.
Dwivedi also touched upon the concept of a “temporary moratorium” at certain locations, where both sides refrained from entering common areas due to the risk of escalating violence. “We declared some areas a temporary moratorium during discussions, meaning both sides stay back to prevent any escalation,” he explained.
The Army Chief pointed out that trust between India and China required a new approach, underscoring the need for broader discussions to ease tensions and restore confidence. “Post-April 20, the trust between the two countries needs to be redefined,” he said, adding that further dialogue through the upcoming special representatives’ meeting was essential.
In addition, Dwivedi shared updates on the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to integrate women into the military, stating that approximately 1,700 women officers were undergoing training at Sainik and military schools and would soon join the Army and tri-services.
On security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir, the Army Chief stated that 60 percent of terrorists killed in the region were of Pakistani origin, while 80 percent of active terrorists in the area were also from Pakistan. He attributed the rise in violence to the continued support from Pakistan, emphasizing that 15,000 additional troops were deployed in 2024, leading to the neutralization of several terrorists.