Three points emerge from the trajectory of the recent standoffs at multiple locations along the India-China boundary. One, China is testing Indian military’s readiness and speed of response; Two, the PLA is unhappy with India’s improving infrastructure along the LAC;
And three, by mobilising larger numbers than ever before, the Xi Jinping-led CCP is sending a political message to India that it still has to deal with China bilaterally even if New Delhi becomes an important part of the emerging anti-China groupings and alliances
On the first count, Indian military built up strength in no time to match Chinese mobilisation across the perceived LAC around Galwan and Hot Springs areas. No intrusions/incursions were allowed. So after a couple of days of faceoffs, troops remained distant from each other
Military leadership on the ground emphatically asserts that there were no intrusions or occupation of Indian territory in these parts. We were not surprised, commanders in Ladakh said. Because we kept watch, we had a faceoff at PP-14 and PP-15, they added.
What indeed was new was the substantial numbers that were amassed on the Chinese side supported by armour, arty guns and APCs. Watching the buildup closely, India also mobilised similar or larger strength quickly with similar elements.
India has made it clear it will continue to build roads, bridges, shelters and support systems within its own territory in spite of the Chinese objectios. Also, there is no danger of the DS-DBO road being cut off or threatened by the Chinese, military leaders have asserted
The area between Finger 4 and Finger 8 however remains tricky. It now emerges that because of a couple of Indian foot patrols using hitherto unexplored mountainous route to reach Finger 7 from Finger 4, surprised and alarmed the Chinese last October
To prevent Indian patrols once again using the same route to reach Finger 7 (which the Chinese perceive to be within their area), the PLA deployed soldiers on the spurs this summer. This could become a matter of prolonged discussion. But overall, disengagement is well on its way
