India and China have been locked in a border standoff since the early May of 2020 when the People’s Liberation Army troops made encroachments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley. It resulted in multiple casualties from both sides. Since then, both sides have tried to control the situation by holding bilateral talks.
Indian Air Force Chief RKS Bhaduria on Tuesday said that the Chinese have deployed heavy war equipment near Ladakh border but India is fully prepared to handle the situation. He made these remarks while addressing a webinar on 'National Security Challenges and Air Power' organised by Vivekanand International Foundation.
Key points of IAF Chief's speech:
- The Chinese air force has deployed numerous missiles and radar at the Ladakh sector but India has taken all the necessary actions to handle the situation.
- The Chinese air force has deployed its indigenous fighter jets including J-20 and J-10 along with the Russian-origin SU-30 close to Indian territory in Tibet. They have also activated their air defence systems including the S-400 acquired from Russia.
- The Indian Air Force has deployed its frontline fighters including the Rafale and the MiG-29 in the Ladakh sector at multiple bases and is ready to respond to any misadventure by the Chinese side.
- The evolving uncertainties and instability at the global geopolitical front have provided China with an opportunity to demonstrate its growing power and indirectly it has also brought to fore the inadequate contribution of major powers to global security.
- Despite multiple talks, India and China cannot seem to fight a middle ground to stop the escalation and jolt down the aggression. India is waiting for the commencement of the ninth round of talks after the appointment of a new PLA guard who is still assessing the situation along the Ladakh border.
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