RM @rajnathsingh has categorically conveyed to Chinese defence minister that actions of the Chinese troops, including amassing of large number of troops, their aggressive behaviour and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo were in violation of the bilateral agreements..
...and not in keeping with the understandings reached between the Special Representatives of two sides. RM conveyed that the two sides should continue their discussions, including through diplomatic and military channels, to ensure complete disengagement and de-escalation...
...and full restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC at the earliest. A press note issued by the MoD says the RM stated clearly that Indian troops had always taken a very responsible approach towards border management.
At the same time there should also be no doubt about our determination to protect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he told the Chinese Defence Minister in Moscow last night, the press note added
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
Why are ill-informed people going gaga about Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson’s statement about disengagement from four areas in Eastern Ladakh? There has been no disengagement after September 2022. The last disengagement was exactly two years ago at Gogra-Hot Springs.
Before Gogra-Hot Springs disengagement, three other points— at PP-14, PP-17A and both banks of the Pangong Tso—had witnessed disengagement starting February 2021. The disputes at Depsang and Demchok—admittedly legacy issues—are yet to be resolved.
In the fact the Indian statement on Thursday said, in parts: statement said ‘both sides agreed to work with urgency and redouble their efforts to realize complete disengagement in the remaining areas.’
The Senate foreign relations committee and House foreign affairs committee in US have signed off on the proposal to sell the MQ 9 B predator drones to India. This will now get converted into a Congressional notification within a month according to the standard procedure
The Pentagon will then issue a letter of acceptance to the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD). The price negotiations will then begin between the Company (General Atomics) and the MoD for purchase of 31 predators meant for the 3 armed forces. So by March the deal should be sealed
Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat is the Senate Foreign Relations committee chairman&Senator James E Risch, a Republican is the Ranking Member, while Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is Republican Rep. Michael MacCaul and Ranking Member is Democrat Rep. Gregory Meeks
Interesting inputs coming from Ladakh. The top brass of Army's Northern Command is likely to congregate in Leh on Thursday, the 3rd anniversary of the Galwan clash. The Northern Army Commander apart, his four Corps Commanders (1, 14, 15 and 16 Corps) will apparently be there
The Command's senior Staff will also be in attendance, one hears. The idea is to send twin messages: One to own troops that the leadership is on the ball and continues to be vigilant and two, tell the Chinese that Indian military has not forgotten the Chinese perfidy in Galwan
To say Galwan was an inflection point in India-China relations will be an understatement but this reported move by Northern Command (agenda of the meeting is not known) will help remind the Chinese that India remembers its brave soldiers unlike what happens in their country
This upcoming visit of the Bhutan King from Monday comes just over six months after his last trip. He was in New Delhi on 14 September 2022. The upcoming visit becomes important in view of recent developments on Bhutan-China boundary issue. What are those? mea.gov.in/press-releases…
China and Bhutan held the 11th round of the Expert Groups Meeting in January, declaring ‘positive consensus’ in the boundary talks in Kunming.
The talks promised a swift implementation of an agreement that both sides had signed in 2021, a “three-step road map” to resolve their dispute. @StratNewsGlobal had reported extensively on what transpired in that meeting stratnewsglobal.com/neighbours/bhu…
Our annual marquee event, the India Defence Conclave is finally here. The entire event will be live-streamed on YouTube. Link for inaugural session. Starts at 1400 hrs IST
On Afghanistan NSA Doval made the following points:
India has historical and civilisational relations with Afghanistan; India has always stood by the people of Afghanistan. This will continue to guide India’s approach.
India has focused on infrastructure, connectivity and humanitarian assistance over the decades. After August 2021, India has already provided 17000 MT of Wheat out of a total commitment of 50000 MT, 500000 doses of Covaxin, and 13 tons of essential life saving medicines: Doval
The NSA highlighted need for representation of all sections of Afghan society including women and minorities so that the collective energies of the largest possible proportion of the Afghan population feel motivated to contribute to nation building