Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday favoured dialogue to defuse tension at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, but remained skeptical as to what extent the ongoing talks will help resolve the differences.
He made this point during his visit to Leh hinting at the “ complex” and “ intricate” process of disengagement by the Armies of India and China.
Sounding this note of caution, Rajnath, without naming China, reaffirmed that India is not a weak country and no country in the world can touch even an inch of its land.
The tough statement came against the backdrop of more than eight-week stand-off between the two Armies after the Chinese intruded into India at four points.
Touring Ladakh for the first time since the face-offs took place, Rajnath said the ongoing negotiations with China at the military and diplomatic levels should help resolve the border dispute. He, however, said he could not guarantee to what extent the issues will be resolved.
Addressing the troops at Lukung near Pangong Tso (lake), one of the four stand-off sites, the Defence Minister said talks were underway to end the face-offs at the earliest “ but to what extent it will be resolved I cannot guarantee.”
His sceptic remarks came a day after the Army and the External Affairs Ministry said on Thursday the disengagement process is “ intricate” and “ complex” and needs “ constant verification” .
These observations after the fourth round of Corps Commander level talks between the two countries came in the backdrop of continuing differences between the two Armies on Depsang and Pangong Tso. Though the Chinese have withdrawn from nearly all the friction points, the pace of pull back in Depsang and Pangong is not commensurate with the agreement between the two commanders.
The External Affairs Ministry also reiterated that any unilateral attempt to change the status quo on the LAC will not be accepted by India.
Given the complexities involved in resolving the LAC dispute, the Corps Commanders are likely to meet for the fifth time next week, said sources, adding the two sides are regularly verifying every 72 hours the disengagement and pulling back by either side.
Meanwhile, addressing the troops, Rajnath also said, “ We will not allow the sacrifice of soldiers to go in vain,” in an apparent reference to the killing of 20 Indian Army personnel during the Galwan Valley clashes with Chinese troops on June 15.
Accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General M M Naravane on a two-day visit to Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, the Minister said, “ India is the only country in the world that has given a message of peace to the world. We have never attacked a nation and have never staked claim to any country’s land. India believes in the message - ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family).”
He also said. “ We do not want unrest, we want peace. It has not been our nature to hurt any country’s pride. If any attempt is made to hurt India’s pride, it won’t be tolerated... we will give a befitting reply.”
“ We are proud of our Army. I feel proud as I stand among our jawans. Our jawans have laid their lives for the country. All 130 crore Indians are saddened by the loss,” he added.
Earlier, Rajnath witnessed para-dropping carried out by commandos and other military exercises at Stakna forward post. “ Witnessed the fire and fury of the Indian Army during the paradropping and other military demonstrations at Stakna near Leh today. Also, I got the opportunity to interact with them. I am proud of these brave and courageous soldiers (sic),” Rajnath later tweeted.