Gen Upendra Dwivedi. (File photo)
New Delhi: General Upendra Dwivedi, chief of staff of the Indian Army, has provided an assessment of the ongoing situation along the line of actual control (LAC) with China in eastern Ladakh. Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue here on Tuesday, Gen Dwivedi characterized the situation as “stable but not normal”, emphasizing its delicate nature amid the protracted stand-off between Indian and Chinese forces.
The general noted that while diplomatic discussions have yielded positive indications, the implementation of agreements hinges largely on decisions taken by military commanders in the field.
Gen Dwivedi highlighted that although the situation has not further deteriorated, it remains sensitive due to the persistent military presence and the reluctance of Chinese troops to disengage from the area. “Trust has become the biggest casualty,” he remarked, pointing to the challenges in restoring the status quo that existed prior to the incursions by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in April 2020.
The Army chief stressed the necessity for India to maintain vigilance and preparedness for any eventualities. He observed that despite encouraging signals from recent diplomatic engagements, the execution of agreements on the ground is heavily dependent on the decisions made by military commanders on both sides.
Gen Dwivedi also cautioned about China’s potential use of “grey zone warfare” tactics, akin to those employed in the South China Sea, to assert territorial claims along the LAC. He underscored the importance of maintaining operational readiness to counter any such moves by China.
The Army has been actively working to resolve the stand-off through a series of diplomatic and military talks. However, progress has been slow, with China rebuffing India’s push for a sequential process of disengagement, de-escalation, and de-induction of troops. The situation remains particularly tense at the Depsang and Demchok face-off sites.
The Army chief reiterated India’s position that the situation must revert to the pre-April 2020 status, including the restoration of buffer zones and planned patrolling routes. Until then, he affirmed, the situation would remain sensitive, and the Army would remain fully prepared to handle any developments.
