With both the sides keen to have the next round of military level talks at the earlier, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat said here on Friday India and China should be able to achieve status quo gruadually at the Line of Actual Control(LAC)in Eastern Ladakh.
Though determined to resolve the LAC issue through sustained dialogue, Rawat, however, cautioned that India must remain prepared for “any misadventure” and respond accordingly as it has done in the past.
Sharing this assessment in an address at a think-tank, the CDS said both the countries should be able to achieve status as they realise it is in the best interest of ensuring peace and tranquility in the region. India has time and again reiterated that Chinese troops should return to their positions as existing in April 2020.
Calling for operational readiness at all times, he said “All I would say that keep your guard up, remain prepared; do not take things lightly. We must also be prepared for any misadventure and respond accordingly. We have responded in the past and will do so in the future.”
On the issue of continuing stand-offs at three friction points in Eastern Ladakh for the last one year, Rawat said India and China are engaged in negotiations at political, diplomatic and military levels to resolve the row.
Asked whether China has gone back on its word on disengagement from remaining friction points, he said there is suspicion on both sides and India too moved a large number of troops and resources there. “There is suspicion on both sides because while the other side has deployed their forces and created infrastructure, we are also not lagging behind anymore. We have also moved a large number of troops and resources. There is a kind of suspicion on both sides as to what can happen,” the CDS said.
When referred to reports of China increasing military presence in the region, Rawat said they realised that Indian armed forces cannot be taken lightly.
Rawat’s observations came days after India and China on June 25 held the diplomatic level talks under the aegis of the Working Mechanism for Co-ordination and Consultation(WMCC). The two delegations called for holding the 12th round of Corps Commander level talks as soon as possible. The last round was held on April nine.