India witnessing trailers of future conflicts, says COAS Naravane; reviews situation along China-Pak borders
Amid the ongoing military standoff with the Chinese military, Indian Army top brass led by Army Chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane, carried out an operational review of the situation along the borders with China and Pakistan.
On India’s security challenges, the Army Chief – without taking the name of either Pakistan or China – said that “our adversary shall continue with efforts to achieve its strategic aims and we are witnessing trailers of future conflicts”.
This meeting comes amid the recent changes in the leadership in Northern and Eastern Commands.
After the meeting, the COAS said that India is focusing on restructuring, rebalancing and reorienting the security forces.
Process of integration of three services through theaterization already moving ahead under a time-bound plan, he added.
On developments in Afghanistan, Naravane said that India has once again brought to focus the use of proxies and non-state actors to decisive effect.
Developments on the northern border underscored the need for capable forces with an optimal component of boots on the ground backed by modern tech, he said.
India and China have been engaged in a military standoff for almost two years now and despite several rounds of talks Beijing has refused to disengage from remaining friction points including Depsang, Demchok, besides Hot Springs.
Last month, the COAS had said that the Indian Army won’t let any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo along the country’s borders succeed.
Speaking on the eve of Army Day, General MM Naravane called 2021 “extremely challenging” for the Army and said joint efforts at various levels led to disengagement in many areas which is a constructive step.
He further asserted that India’s desire for peace is born out of strength and should not be mistaken otherwise.
Speaking about the situation at the Line of Control with Pakistan, Naravane said the situation is better than the previous year, but accused Islamabad of still harbouring terrorists.
