Indian Army has said that it is well prepared for prolonged standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh even as India always wants to resolve issues through dialogue.
“Indian Army is fully prepared and more than capable for fighting a full- fledged war even in winters in Eastern Ladakh,” said a defense spokesman, in a strong worded statement on emerging situation Line of Control with China. The Indian Army, he said, has an experience of Siachen where conditions are much more demanding than the frontiers with China.
“Compared to Indian troops that are battle hardened physically and psychologically, Chinese troops are mostly from urban areas and not used to hardships or prolonged deployment under field conditions,” the defense spokesperson has said.
It further said: “China’s concept has always been to win the wars without fighting, hence if they create conditions for war, they will come across better trained, better prepared, rested and psychologically hardened Indian troops. These worries have been percolating the minds of Chinese troops and are visible in Chinese media.” Though India is a peace loving country and wishes to have good relations with its neighbours, the spokesperson said: “India always prefers to resolve issues through dialogue. While talks are in progress to resolve the issue of borders with China in Eastern Ladakh, at military level it is well prepared for the prolonged standoff.”
“Special fuel and lubricants for tanks and armoured personnel carriers have also been stocked adequately, including spares for their maintenance. Water points and tube wells have been established for the troops and animals like mules and yaks,” the official statement reads.
Besides, the living barracks have also been prepared which are comfortable and warm. Facilities such as the central heating system are some of the high points of these facilities. Ammunition of various types including small arms, missiles and tank and artillery ammunition have also been adequately stocked. The medical system is also in place for any eventuality.
The altitudes in Ladakh Range from high to super high altitude and there is a lot of snow fall, after the month of November upto 40 feet of snow is experienced, according to the spokesperson of Indian Army.
Even as temperature dips down to minus 30-40 degrees as usual, the Indian soldiers have a huge experience of winter warfare and are psychologically tuned to operate at short notice, it claimed.
“Logistic capability relates to mobility, habitat and billeting, quality services from health, special rations, repair and recovery, heating systems, high quality weapons, ammunition, quality clothing, and so on,” the statement reads indicating that the Indian Army is fully prepared for even “full blown war” through much of this capability existed earlier and troops could simply plug and play, a lot has also been boosted since May this year when China showed first signs aggression.
Traditionally, there were two routes for moving into Ladakh that is through Zojila and Rohtang Passes. Recently, India commissioned the third road from Darcha to Leh which is much shorter distance wise and less prone to closure. Completion of Atal tunnel on the Rohtang route has force multiplied the logistic capacities.
“In addition, we have a large number of air bases with the help of which we can maintain the army well. Modern snow clearing equipment has also been placed on these routes to keep them open beyond November, thus giving us more time for daily maintenance of the troops,” the statement reads.
