India closely monitoring China’s military drills in Eastern Ladakh – Reports
Foreign
According to a senior military officer, cited by the newspaper, the PLA has completed the rotation of its troops across Eastern Ladakh, and begun annual summer drills “in-depth areas, including Kanxiwar and Kashgar, located 100 to 250-km (62-155 miles) from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).”
Beijing is converting into permanent positions shelters for troops, ammunition depots, runways for helicopters, and anti-aircraft missile installations at a distance of 25 to 100 kilometers from the LAC, while Indian forces have boosted their military positions in the disputed areas, the outlet reported.
New Delhi at the same time was forced to regroup its forces to fight the coronavirus pandemic, which hit the country hard, according to another officer, cited by the newspaper.
“After a risk assessment and analysis, some troops have been pulled back to support the nation in fighting the COVID-19 crisis.
Even though both sides maintain communication through hotlines, they remain at an impasse on this LAC section, the newspaper said.
Since the 1962 war between India and China, the two lack a duly demarcated borderline in the Himalayas.
Following a deadly escalation near Lake Pangong Tso a year ago, India and China boosted their military presence in the disputed region, while simultaneously launching disengagement consultations.
The bilateral pullout of troops from the LAC began in February after the 10th round of the senior commanders’ talks.
– May 19, 2021 @ 15:11 GMT
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