A New Normal on the LAC: Fully Deployed Forces by Both Nations

China has deployed 50,000 troops with heavy weaponry since the PLA transgressions in Galwan, Gogra-Hot Springs, and Pangong Tso on 5 May 2020. The additional deployment of forces before the 20th National Party Congress was a major concern, with at least six light to medium combined armed brigades deployed across Sikkim to Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh.

Despite the Indian Army's upgraded road, communication, and advanced landing grounds network along the LAC, the Modi government is not backing down diplomatically and is keen to normalise bilateral ties with Beijing until all the friction points in East Ladakh are resolved and de-escalation of forces in line with the 1993-1996 agreements takes place. India is taking deliberate and calculated steps after watching the situation on the ground in Tibet and Xinjiang regions. It is obvious that after China brokered a Shia-Sunni détente, the Muslim world will turn a blind eye to Han repression in Sunni-dominated Xinjiang province and Buddhist-dominated Tibet.

The Indian Army is fully deployed with reserves to tackle any military emergency along the LAC. It has the capacity not only to prevent any PLA transgression but also launch a counter in the western, middle, and eastern sectors of the LAC. Due to this heightened vigil, any PLA belligerence along the LAC is detected and repelled as per established protocol.

The growing proximity of China to Russia is a matter of concern to India as both New Delhi and Beijing use Moscow-made hardware platforms, including aircraft engines and fighter jets. Therefore, PM Modi has put the entire focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat for creating a military-industrial complex within India. This year will see a boost to this indigenisation campaign with path-breaking results. While China is rising rapidly, so is India.