SOLD ER - CHINA CAN WE TAKE ON? - SALUTE THE - Sanjha Morcha
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EXCLUSIVE: We had taken on China
By R. Prasannan, Chief of Bureau, THE WEEK
SALUTE THE
SOLD ER
JANUARY 2021
CHINA CAN
WE TAKE ON?
editorial
Learning from the
Galwan Valley
incident
T here are some lessons of history that we forget at our own peril. One of them is the famous saying attributed to the US
politician William Clay: “There are no permanent enemies, and no permanent friends, only permanent interests.” In
other words, to establish foreign relations or politics on the basis of emotional or personal factors is the height of foolishness.
Yet, this is exactly what India’s recent China policy appeared to do. Afters years of rivalry, a few years ago China suddenly
was accorded the status of India’s friend. China’s president Xi Jinping was seen being hugged by our Prime Minister and was
invited to India as a special guest to flag waving Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met 18
times between 2014 and 2019. India also supported China at various international for a and voted for its favour.
In April 2020, India and China celebrated 70 years of diplomatic ties - India being the first non-socialist country to have
recognised China in 1950. President Xi Jinping issued a statement claiming the two countries have established a strategic and
cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity, and are endeavouring to build an even closer partnership of development.
India’s President Kovind declared the two sides have made considerable progress, especially in the last few years, in enhancing
their bilateral engagement in a number of areas, including political, economic and people-to-people ties.The Chinese
leadership had supposedly been turned around and now viewed India favourably.
Then came the bad news about the sudden Chinese military incursions in eastern Ladakh. From the first week of May 2020,
Chinese and Indian troops clashed at many locations along the Line of Actual Control (the de facto border between India
and China in Ladakh), including near the Pangong Lake. On the night of 15 June, a group of India soldiers led by their
commanding officers approached a group of Chinese troops who were building permanent structures on the Indian side of
the LAC and asked them to desist. In response, the Chinese troops attacked the Indians with roods and sharp instruments,
killing twenty of them including their commanding officer. The enraged Indian troops retaliated and subsequently killed over
35 Chinese troops and injured many more. This was all out war. And the only force that prevented a humiliating defeat for
India were a handful of unarmed Indian Army soldiers.
Overnight China became an enemy. All this while it was supposedly a dear friend. What is worse, this erroneous perception
was responsible for complete lack of political action on shoring up our military preparedness against China. The friendly
view of China at the highest levels of our government had completely clouded our judgement. We failed to anticipate China’s
rising belligerence. While we were shaking hands, China was baring its fists at every neighbour, including Japan and the
countries of southeast Asia.
China had decided to unilaterally change the status quo wherever it could in Asia with the view of sending the message
that no one ought to challenge its pre0-eminence. Even Japan was cowed down by China’s claims and aggressive military
posture near the disputed Senkakus islands in the eastern South China sea. Repeated incursions by China’s coat guard vessels
and military aircraft have thrown off Japan’s defence forces. The idea is to browbeat every Asian nation to accept Chinese
hegemony and never challenge its expansionism in the future.
It was the same message for India. No amount of hugging and state visits could alter the course of China’s geo-strategic
outlook. The Chinese leadership have always been clear about their long term aims and interests. It is time, we too recognise
our long-term interests and develop the means to secure those interests.
Indranil Banerjee
1 January 2021
JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 1
contents
We had taken on China 04
In 1962, when we fought the war with the Chinese, it was a fight between peers. We lost territory
because we were taken by surprise - we were not prepared.
Salute The Soldier 08
‘Salute The Soldier’ is the vision of a decorated former Army officer, who has been trying to raise
awareness about the armed forces and their contribution to society. Ever since Army Day
15 January 2011, this officer has been releasing a publication to celebrate the armed forces.
Army Day 2021 12
‘We Honour The Indian Soldier By Recalling His Achievement On Army Day.’
The Battle of Rezang La Veteran’s War Account 1962 16
China: A Swot Analysis 18
Recently, there has been disturbing escalation in China’s aggressive behaviour towards India and others.
China’s relations with the United States is at a new low.
Managing An Can we take on Regd Office: SALUTE THE
Expansionist Power 21 China? 36 SOLDIER, T-10, Usha Chambers,
Central Market, Ashok Vihar,
In the past, China has largely agreed that the Galwan valley from LAC towards India belongs to India.
But now China is claiming that Galwan valley belongs to her due to its renewed strategic importance.
Delhi-110052
Glawan valley is formed by 80 km long Galwan river, which originates in Aksai China on China side and
Countering China: A The Journal of P: 011-27417230 / 011-47025690
crosses the LAC and joins Shyok river. The point where it crosses LAC is known as Patrolling Point 14.
NCR Office: 1073, Sector-15,
Salute To The Indian “Disabilities & Part-II, Gurgaon, Haryana-122001. It is here that China has made military build up to claim Galwan valley. Recently India has built a road
Armed Forces 24 Impairments” 42 P: 0124-4209510
M: +91 81307 61968
from Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO Road) which runs from Eastern Ladakh to western
Ladakh till the Daulat Beg Oldie, where India has also developed an Air strip. This 323 km road runs
Published by: AKSHAT
parallel to LAC along the Shyok river. India can reach to the LAC at any point through this road with
The Chinese knot! Behind The Headlines PUBLICATION For
Salute The Soldier short notice and utilize the air strip at Daulat Beg Oldie for quick military supply. China is worried about
A reality check Restoring The Dignity 43 Email: mail2chatterjees@gmail.com; the strategic utility of this road and wants to control the movement at the road as and when required.
required, now! 30 salutethesoldier16@gmail.com
2 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 3
in the last round, let us not deceive China. Indeed, we have had, and the
ourselves thinking that the next Chinese remember it more than we
round too will result in guaranteed do. Just as we are yet to recover from
triumph. We ought to view these the nightmare of 1962, the Chinese
experiences more holistically, and in Tibet are yet to recover from the
across a longer and larger timespan. shock and trauma of the 1904 Young
This leads to an imminent husband expedition from India and
question as to whether we have ever of the 1914-16 invasion which led
had a triumph or victory or success to the drawing of the McMahon
or at least an upper hand in a military line. As the Chinese look at it, an
confrontation with the state of army of just 3000 simply walked
“
There is a perception that India had
been neglecting its China border,
especially in terms of building military
We had taken on China infrastructure there.
In 1962, when we fought the war with the Chinese, it
was a fight between peers. We lost territory because we
were taken by surprise - we were not prepared.
by R. Prasannan, Chief of Bureau, THE WEEK
to the contrary assumption. Since
our last military confrontation with
China had ended in a bad drubbing
for us, we assume that the next one
” Indian Army Guns at Ladak
too, if at all and when it happens,
The Doklam stand-off three years The problem, however, of being (in 1947) and were confronted by may not be a very happy one for
ago and the current stand-off in guided by historical experiences superior military ware (1965), and us. This has led to a sort of China
Ladakh have brought back memories is that we often choose the most barely managed to stop the enemy Syndrome in the Indian strategic
- or shall we say nightmares? - of recent experience to guide us in our on his tracks. We tend to be guided mindset, whereby we assume that
the 1962 debacle in the minds of current contexts, and ignore the by the 1971 or the 1999 Kargil China is an adversary to be dreaded.
several people, including even some earlier ones. The memory of the experience when we triumphed There is an element of falsity
of our strategic thinkers. This is last war dominates our thoughts to over the enemy. This has led to involved in these assumptions.
not an uncommon phenomenon, such an extent that it overshadows assumptions - probably very right too Just because we have had a bitter
considering that nation-states are or even erases the memory of earlier - that in the next confrontation too, experience with an adversary in
guided by their historical experiences, wars. This works both positively and we ought to triumph. the last confrontation, there is no
and the last military experience that negatively. In the case of Pakistan, we However, in the case of China, certitude of another bitter experience
we have had with China was not a often forget the 1947-48 or the 1965 this phenomenon - of being guided in the next round. And just because
happy one for us. experience when we were surprised by the most recent experience - leads we had triumphed over an adversary
4 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 5
“
across the Himalayas and overran the
entire territory upto Lhasa. The fact Military convoy on newly constructed Shyok River
is that the Chinese strategic thinking
on India is still conditioned and
influenced by the experience they had
at the turn of the last century. An attacker on the mountains need
In 1962, when we fought the
war with the Chinese, it was a fight
eight times more strength than the
between peers. We lost territory
because we were taken by surprise
defender. If that is so, PLA would need
- we were not prepared. Otherwise 20 divisions to launch a credible attack
there was some kind of a military
parity between the two, and there are on the Indian positions.
many who believe - that includes me
”
- that the outcome of the war would
have been different if we had used our
superior air power.
Anyway, that is not the case
today. China has been growing at least three months. Even to travel wings of Sukhois close to the borders,
and modernising on three fronts - by that much-dreaded train. plus deep-strike Jaguars in Gorakhpur
economically, technologically and A word about this railway line. I and Kalaikunda. They can bomb out
militarily. We are also growing - but saw it during my recent trip to Tibet, it the line till kingdom come.
our growth is at a fast pace only Krishna Rao launched Operation byways were built and upgraded. for them. Now the situation in the and I concede, it is a marvellous But we have vulnerabilities - on
economically and technologically. Falcon with the concurrence of Prime They converted their 149 division eastern sector of the northern border, engineering feat. But I think, its the western sector of the northern
China’s strategic profile is today that Minister Indira Gandhi. And it was into a rapid action division and I am told, is quite comfortable. An strategic value is zero. Most of it borders. That is where the Chinese are
of a world power, which has the the intensity and extent of that build- moved a brigade or two into Tibet. attacker on the mountains need runs through open, treeless, plateau trying to pinprick us now. Here too
capability to extend its strategic will up that culminated in the Sumdorong Today, we believe that the PLA can eight times more strength than the country, and a good part of the we are making the necessary logistic
over large parts of at least the eastern Chu incident during Rajiv Gandhi move one full mechanised infantry defender. If that is so, PLA would mountain stretch is built on perma- investments of roads, bridges and
hemisphere, whereas we are still only regime. But since we stood firm division into Tibet in 48 hours in an need 20 divisions to launch a credible frost. Forget the Sukhois and the what not that can take even battle
a much challenged regional power. then, the Chinese backed off from a emergency. There are also reports that attack on the Indian positions. How BrahMoses, a strike using our aged tanks.
So the strategic parity that used to be confrontation, and even invited Rajiv it can move about 10 divisions in one would they do it? It will need at least MiG-27 can take it out. And one can In short, we are building towards
there between India and China no Gandhi to that famous meeting with month. two campaign seasons to bring about only imagine how long they will take tactical parity again in every sector,
longer exists. Deng Hsiaoping. But we have also been building that many troops into Tibet. And to rebuild one bridge bombed out by and that is what seems to have
But that is not a reason for There wasn’t much of activity on up. We have moved deep-strike they all need to be acclimatised over us. Let us not forget, we have three provoked China.
worry, though we ought to be the northern borders throughout the Sukhoi-30 squadrons to Bareilly,
concerned. This disparity in strategic rest of the 90s and early 2000s, when Tezpur and Chhabua, stationed
An Apache Attack IAF Helicopter During Night Operation in Ladak
profile is not actually a reflection we were fully engaged on the western BrahMos regiments closer to border,
of the tactical military situation border. There was the Kargil war, upgraded the roads and built advance
obtained on the border between India the military mobilisation following landing grounds, raised two new
and China. There is a perception the attack on Indian parliament, the divisions. We were even raising
that India had been neglecting its post 9/11 developments, and so on. a mountain strike corps which,
China border, especially in terms We were fully engaged in the western however, is said to have been put on
of building military infrastructure theatre. the backburner.
there. I would disagree. We had China used this opportunity In short, in case the Chinese
been thinking of building up, and of the respite to build their own attempt any kind of adventurism
actually building up, the border infrastructure. Work on the rail line on the Arunachal-Sikkim sector, we
infrastructure, ever since General to Tibet was initiated; highways and would have enough forces waiting
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‘Salute The Soldier’ from pre independence times to the
post-Independence years, is replete
is the vision of a
with instances of the Indian soldier’s
decorated former conspicuous bravery and acts of
Army officer, who has valour. They have fought in East
been trying to raise Africa, in North Africa and southeast
Asia where they took on two of
awareness about the the finest armies of the world – the
armed forces and Germans and the Japanese - and
their contribution to proved their worth. Indian soldiers
won nearly 6300 awards in World
society. Ever since
WarII;the tally included 31 Victoria
Army Day 15 January Crosses, which was the highest
2011, this officer military gallantry honour, seven
has been releasing George Crosses, which was next in
order, 252 Distinguished Service
a publication to Orders, 347 Indian Orders of Merit
celebrate the armed and 1311 Military Crosses.
forces. The aim is to In December 1971, the Indian
Army had overrun erstwhile East
raise awareness of
Pakistan [Bangladesh] and taken
the soldier’s role in 93, 000 prisoners-of-war (POWs).
warfare as well as in It was one of the swiftest military
peace time. campaigns in military history which
resulted in the creation of new
sovereign republic after a lightning
13-day campaign. This was the
Salute The
The unmatched bravery of famous 1971 Indo-Pak War. The
Indian soldiers at Galwan Valley in Indian Army’s finest hour was when
eastern Ladakh on the night of 15 the “Instrument of Surrender” of
June 2020 was the stuff of legends. Pakistan’s Eastern Command was
The clash, which was fought without signed by Lieutenant General Jagjit
Soldier
any firearms because of an India- Singh Aurora, GOC-in-C of the
China 1996 agreement baring Indian Eastern Command, and
guns & explosives from the area, Lieutenant General A.A.K.Niazi,
was a sobering lesson for China. Commander of the Pakistan Eastern
Skirmishing at an altitude of over Command, at Ramna Race Course
14,000 feet in sub-zero temperatures, in Dacca at 16:31 Hrs-IST on 16
Indian soldiers proved their mettle gallant soldiers. Demonstrating of our talented Indian soldier, drawn cannot win or live to see another and extended code of conduct; and December 1971. For the Indian
and surprised the enemy intruders. exemplary values - unmindful of mostly from the country’s rural areas, day. From this is born an intense it subconsciously imposes a moral subcontinent, the Indo-Pak War was a
The world stood up and took note any divisions of caste, creed or and selfless young officers is a sense motivation that guides our young responsibility. A soldier believes in historic milestone. This event forever
of the incident and the astonishing religion -they unhesitatingly entered of camaraderie and commitment to military leaders,who are taught to a higher cause, a belief that makes a changed the geopolitics of South Asia.
commitment of the Indian soldier. the fray to safeguard the country’s the country. These feeling forge the lead from the front. The Indian Army man sacrifice even his life if required. Indian’s eastern flank was purged of a
The fear psychosis of China sovereignty. This was the result of tenacious fighting edge of the Indian has the highest officer-man casualty He readily puts himself in harm’s way, malicious power, making it possible
that had been embedded in the years of training, honing of skills and Army. ratio in the world. Military service is and is ready to risk his life for a cause, for a future “Look East” policy
minds of common Indians for over strengthening of values. Among the The Indian soldier knows that clearly not a job but a calling in life; not for profit. that sought to connect the region’s
three decades, was erased by our many virtues inculcated in the minds if they donot work collectively, they it comes with its own inexplicable The history of the Indian Army, fortunes to the rapidly growing
8 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 9
India-Pakistan 1971 war
Tapash Chatterjee
Tapash Chatterjee is the founder of ‘Salute The
Soldier’. A decorated officer of the Indian Army, he was
commissioned into the Gorkha Rifles. His professional
of the Internet. Never has the need career in the military was marked by the mastery of
for honest,clear and committed strategic innovation aligned with grassroots tasks for
work on this subject of national effective and efficient implementations of objectives.
importance been greater than today. He has always striven to uphold the pristine values
Historic surrender Indo-Pak War 1971
Times have moved on and much has of the Indian Army while at the same time providing
changed but soldiers remain men of succour to the common citizen. He is a strong advocate
“
character,devoted to fulfill the pledge of social entrepreneurship and adding positive value to
made to our constitution and nation.
society through empowerment and development. He
Thousands of them have shed their
combined his vision with his man management skills to
blood for the nation during our
When you go home tumultuous history and continue to
conceptualise and implement the mission ‘Ability Beyond
Disability’ in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Justice
Tell them of us & say do so at our borders and troubled
& Empowerment, Government of India. This mission was
areas. Yet, they are not always
For your tomorrow remembered or accorded the respect aimed at restoring the dignity of persons with disabilities,
We gave our today. they deserve. who happen to be the most neglected and marginalized
Every citizen is a soldier in sections of our community, often residing in remote,
”
his own professional sphere,be it a under-served and border areas of the country. The mission
medical doctor, a public servant, found its mention in the Niti Ayog reports for outstanding
chartered accountant, advocate, achievements. He is a regular contributor to the “Behind
progressive nations of southeast Asia. media reporter, cable operator or The Headlines” column of the Journal of ‘Disabilities &
The Kargil conflict of 1999 was Galwan Valley whatever. The point is that each Impairment’ established 1987.
one of the hardest fought battles of citizen must learn to conduct himself
modern times. Conducted under or herself as a soldier. They must
incredibly difficult conditions,the adhere to the same standards of
Indian Army once again proved that honesty and integrity. They must
years of involvement in low intensity unhesitatingly strive to uphold the
conflicts and counter insurgency higher national cause. They must
operations had not blunted the share the commitment of ‘Nation
fighting edge of the forces. It was First’ and emulate the values,
a righteous battle won with selfless ethos,the soldier demonstrates.
leadership of young officers of the ‘Salute The Soldier’ is a small
Indian army with close strategic inter step in the larger, noble effort to
service cooperation, professional disseminate correct, unprejudiced
higher direction of war and cogent facts about the Indian Army’s past,
political, strategic directions. present and future. The aim is to
We are living in the era of make the public at large as well as
misinformation, disinformation policy makers acknowledge the great
& downright lies that dominate debt owed by the nation to the men
Twitter, Facebook and the dark lanes in arms.
10 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 11
Army Day 2021
‘We Honour The Indian Soldier By
Recalling His Achievement On Army Day.’
the Indian Army, was also the evident in every theatre of its
quintessential soldier’s general and operations.
his ability to bond with them both During the 1971 India-Pakistan
during peace and war remains a War, not only did the Indian
quality worthy of emulation. General Army demonstrate its war fighting
Manekshaw, became the first of only capabilities but also its essentially
two Indian Army Generals to be humane side. At the end of the
conferred the rank of Field Marshal 13-day conflict, the Indian Army
(in January 1973), the other being the was left with 93,000 Pakistani
late Field marshal K M Cariappa. Prisoners-of-War (POWs) and a
It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle.
It takes a hero to be one of those men who go
into battle.
Indian Troops At Galwan
The year 2020 taught us we are demonstrates that soldiers remain life for a cause, not for profit. Salute On 15 January 1948, General The Indian Army through its new vulnerable nation. The POW’s
as vulnerable as we are powerful. men of honour who are committed the Soldier, to commemorate the K.M. Cariappa became the first three fundamental principles of were treated with utmost respect and
As we step into the new year 2021, to fulfil the pledge made to our sacrifices of our men at arms as we Indian commander-in-Chief of the professionalism, secularism and the bravery demonstrated by them
we must resolve never to forget the Constitution and nation even at the step into thenewyear2021.The year Army. This day is now celebrated apolitical mindset is not only worthy in military action against Indian
exemplary values and unmatched cost of their lives. It is the higher of loss and learning provided lessons every year as ARMY DAY. General of emulations within the country but positions were acknowledged. There
bravery demonstrated by Indian cause that makes a man sacrifice his to strengthen the institution of the Sam Harmusji Framji Jamshedji also elsewhere in the subcontinent. were no atrocities or revenge killings.
soldiers at “Galwan Valley” in eastern life. The soldier readily puts himself Army with its commitment to place Manekshaw, the architect of what The Indian Army’s professionalism The Indian Army accepted the
Ladakh. The ongoing standoff in harm’s way and is ready to risk his the ‘Nation First’. is considered the finest hour of and inspiring leadership has been unconditional surrender honourably,
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“
prevented the POWs from being
slaughtered by the enraged locals,
and safely transported them to POW
camps in India. This epitomises
the spirit of true professionalism in
The POW’s were treated with utmost
A Tribute to a Soldier
the Indian Army where there is no
room for hatred against enemies or
ideological enmity.
respect and the bravery demonstrated
In the finest traditions of the
Indian Army, outstanding bravery
by them in military action against Indian Lt Colonel Ved. Prakash. Airy, Commanding Officer 3 GRENDIERS [later become Lt Gen V.P. Airy
MVC], admired & acknowledge the raw courage shown by his adversary, Lt Colonel Mohd Akram
by the adversary has always been positions were acknowledged. Raja, Commanding Officer 35 FFR, died while leading the counter attack on position captured by 3
respected and acknowledged. One GRENADIERS. A one page hand written note by Lt Colonel Airy titled ‘A TRIBUTE TO A SOLDIER’ was
”
such incident occurred during the handed over to Pak Army along with the Officers Body. Based on this note Pakistan Government
1971 War in the Shakargarh sector honoured Lt Colonel Raza with an gallantry award Hilal-i-Jur’ at; equivalent to MVC.
where one of the bloodiest battles
of that war was fought. Leading the
Indian battalion into the attack was fighting and held onto them despite FFR), Lt Col Mohd. Akram Raja,was
Lt Col Ved Prakash Airy (who later massive counter-attacks by the enemy. killed while leading his men. Lt Col
became Lt. Gen.) of the 3 Grenadiers. In one of these counter-attacks the Airy acknowledged the conspicuous
His battalion captured enemy commanding officer of the enemy’s bravery of his Pakistani counterpart
positions after hard and bloody 35 Frontier Force Regiment (35 and while returning his body added
a hand written note titled “A Tribute
to a Soldier” where he detailed Lt Col
Raja’s bravery. This led to Pakistan
conferring the Hilal-I-Jur’at award
(equivalent to our Mahavir Chakra)
on Lt Col Raja.
Individual acts of valour
generally receive public acclaim but
the sacrifice of the Unknown Soldier,
who lays down his life ungrudgingly
in some remote battlefield, often
remains unacknowledged. By
bringing out this commemorative
pamphlet we hope to raise some
awareness of the Unknown Soldier to
commemorate the lives and sacrifices
of our men at arms. The soldier walks
calmly in the line of fire, knowing
fully well that he may lose his life.
He faces terrorist and unseen enemies
from across the borders. He carries
unlimited liability for the safety
Field Marshal Manekshaw, confirming SENA MEDAL [Gallantry] to No; of citizens and the progress of the
5837748,Lance Naik Indra Bahadur Sahi of First Battalion The Nineth nation. In short,he deserves to be
Gorkha Rifles [1/9GR] for his conspicuous bravery in the face of enemy at
the battle of Dera Baba Nanak [DBN-Battle] of Indo-Pak War 1971.
saluted and respected.
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The Battle of Rezang La
Veteran’s War Account On the Occasion of
This battle of Rezang La
is listed in the series of eight
stories of collective bravery
Major Shaitan Singh as ‘C’ company commander
leading from the front demonstrated conspicuous bravery
in the face of the enemy and repeatedly repulsed Chinese
Army Day 2021
published by UNESCO. attacks. He was seriously wounded by a sniping Chinese
Salute the nation’s Paramilitary
Rezang La (La means a MMG but continued to fight along with his men. The
mountain pass in the Tibetan Chinese army then directed heavy machine gun fire on
language) is a tactically his position and he was incapacitated. Unmindful of his
important feature on the
Kailash Range; it is about
personal safety and sensing danger to his life, he ordered his
subordinate to place him behind the cover of a boulder at the
Forces and Health Professionals
3,000 yards long and 2,000 place of action and continued to fight. He died at that spot,
yards wide at an average still gripping his weapon. The ‘C’ company lost 114 soldiers
altitude of 16,000 feet with intervening heights that allow in the battle of Rezang La while 5 soldiers were seriously
deep observation into Chinese Territory but at the same injured and captured by the Chinese Army as Prisoners-
time restrict close artillery support to Indian positions. This of-War (POWs). Only one soldier returned to Battalion
falls under the Chushul Sector of Ladakh, as designated by HQ. Maj Shaitan Singh posthumously won the Param Vir
the Indian Army. Chakra [PVC] for his actions in defending Rezang La. A
During the 1962 India-China War, Rezang La was war memorial built in Rewari, claims that 1,300 Chinese
held by ‘C’ Company under Major Shaitan Singh of the soldiers were killed in the battle of Rezang La, which it is the
13 Kumaon Regiment. On the 18th of November 1962, only bravery story of the Indian Army listed under the title
this Company fought the battle of Rezang La in subzero collective stories of bravery published by UNESCO.
temperatures with scant resources and in extremely difficult Brigadier Raghunath V Jatar was born on 05th Oct
circumstances. At that time, Brigadier Raghunath V Jatar 1932 in Dhulia in Maharashtra in a family having very
[IC-6445H], the then ‘B’ Company Commander of 13 strong military ties. His uncle Lt Col Sir Nilkanth Jatar had
Kumaon Regiment was holding Magar Hill, a prominent served with distinction in the British Indian Army in World
feature on one flank of the Spanggur gap and dominating War I and in the North West Frontier province (NWFP).
the Chushul airstrip. Lt Colonel H.S. Dhingra was the He was the first Indian to get DSO and Bar for bravery. Let us come together to acknowledge the myriad sacrifices made during years of unremitting services by
Commanding Officer of 13 Kumaon Regiment located On 7th June 1953 Brigadier Jatar was commissioned as the personnel of the nation’s paramilitary forces including Border Security Force (BSF), Indo Tibetan Border
on the high ground at the foothills of Magar Hill. The 2nd Lt in the 13 Kumaon Regiment. He commanded Force (ITBP), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Railway Protection Force
Battalion was placed under HQ 114 Infantry Brigade the 13 Kumaon Regiment during the 1971 Indo-Pak war (RPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Assam Rifles and the state police forces.
commanded by Brigadier T.N. Raina [who later became in Rajasthan [Longewalla Sector] which had witnessed In 2020 during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these forces as well as the country’s healthcare
Chief of Indian Army staff]. the retreating Pakistani Army after its humiliating defeat. personnel, including doctors, nurses and others, went the extra mile to keep millions of Indians safe. They
The Chinese Army attacked Rezang La in the early The 13 Kumaon Regiment under Lt Colonel R.V.Jatar toiled under the most trying circumstances, often at great personal risk, to fulfil their commitment to the
hours of 18th Nov 1962. The first attack was ‘silent’ with successfully launched battalion level attack in broad day nation’s ill and vulnerable. Hundreds gave up their lives while providing succour to the ill and dying. We
the intention to surprise ‘C’ company of 13 Kumaon light and ousted the Pakistanis from Border Pillar No- salute and honour them for their dedicated services during this extended crisis.
Regiment. However, the Chinese failed in their designs and 638 in the Indo-Pak Border. The attack resulted in 51
All of them have shown exemplary commitment to their duty, laying down their lives when
the attack was stalled by the brave soldiers of 13 Kumaon Pakistani soldiers killed while the remaining fled towards
needed without reward or recognition. Maytheir sacrifices never go in vain. May their memory serve to
Regiment. At the crack of dawn, the Chinese once again own territory. This veteran officer, while narrating the 1962
strengthen the nation and may our future generations keep the flames of honour, sacrifices and love of the
attacked Rezang La; this time too, the attack was thwarted incidents, express his deep gratitude to the Indian Army for
by accurate small arms fire from our positions. The Chinese the opportunity to serve the nation in all operations of war motherlandburning at all times forever.
then modified their attack plan and started shelling Rezang since his commissioning in 1953 to till the day he retired
La heavily while encircling the post. Finding ‘C’ company in 1984 including the liberation of Goa [1960], Mizoram JAI HIND
surrounded, Major Shaitan Singh re-organised the position insurgency [1968] and actively involved in the Indo- TEAM SALUTE THE SOLDIER
and re-sited the automatic weapons to take on the enemy Pak 1971 war. Thus, I have the satisfaction of serving my
attack. country in various military operations.
16 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 17power,economic power, technology analysis. China’s strength is its
power, natural resources, quality of economic growth in the last twenty
leadership and soft power. years after it joined the World Trade
In terms of military power, we Organization for which it had to
do not expect any land war between wait over fifteen years as the U.S.
China and United States. It will be Senate objected initially as it found
air and sea. In both areas China is China lacking in qualifications to be
way behind its adversary. There is, as a member of W.T.O. Its weakness is
we know, a MAD (mutually assured its autocracy that suppresses freedom
destruction) between United States of thought and expression without
and Russia as between them they hold which no society can progress.
90% of nuclear weapons. China will The opportunities are weak and
not be able to catch up with either in muddleheaded U.S. leadership under
China: A Swot
terms of nuclear weapons. Trump, Covid-19 related economic
Coming to economy, the weakness of the West and the rest
GDP of United States is $21.44 of the world. This has been rectified
trillion whereas China’s is $14.14 with Biden’s election.
trillion. We need to take note of the Threats include the near
Analysis
population. China has a population universal disapproval of China’s
of 1404.33 million as against aggressive behaviour towards India,
332.6 million in United States. In Australia and others.
short, with one fourth of China’s The Indian Army has a glorious
population, United States produces tradition. The other day the
50% more than China. BBC carried a programme : Has
Recently, there has been disturbing escalation in China’s Some scholars have wrongly India’s contribution to WW2 been
argued that the autocracy that China ignored?(16th June 2015) by Yasmin
aggressive behaviour towards India and others. China’s practices enables it to have a higher Khan. Yasmin is right.
relations with the United States is at a new low. GDP and a stronger military. We all While I was serving as
by Ambassador K P Fabian, Professor, Indian Society of International Law know what Mao Zedong’s absolute Ambassador to Italy I was invited in
power did to China. It created a 1998 to speak at the inauguration of
massive famine with a grim toll Mahatma Gandhi Piazza in a small
running into millions. Xi Jinping has town. After my speech an elderly lady
In business we all do a relation with a country that chooses that it belongs to China. India does Coming to China’s aggressive amassed absolute power in his hands, came and hugged me. She started
SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses- not to have such relations with us. not claim the Indian Ocean. By the behaviour at the border, we need to but it can prove injurious to China. crying. I was slightly embarrassed, but
Opportunities-Threats) analysis of Recently, there has been by it was the Portuguese navigators understand why China is doing what Coming back to the SWOT did not show it. Greeted her in Italian
our competitors to help us plan our disturbing escalation in China’s who set out from India to China it is doing. China realises that India
strategy to win the competition. aggressive behaviour towards India starting from the 16th century who is the only power that stands and can
While it is not our intention to and others. China’s relations with the coined the noun “South China Sea”. stand in the way of China’s ascent as
have an adversarial relationship with United States is at a new low. There Vietnam calls it “East Sea”. The the hegemon in Asia, a necessary step
China—and we have demonstrated is an across the board consensus in brazen acts of aggression by China to realise China’s ultimate ambition
it beyond doubt that we want to the United States that China’s rise has united the rest of the world to co-equal and then overtake the
have good neighbourly relations with has to be stopped as it is no longer a against it. United States.
China and that at the same time peaceful rise. It is an aggressive rise, The European Union, the largest At this stage it is important to
we expect and demand that China based on violations of International market in the world, has recognised raise the question: Will China ever
complies with the agreements it has Law as in the South China Sea. the danger of permitting China to equal United States in composite
signed with us—it is crystal clear that Incidentally, just because it is called buy up companies in distress. China power? The answer is clear. The GETTY IMAGES
South China Sea, it does not follow has been found stealing technology. composite power includes military More than two million Indian soldiers participated in World War Two
we cannot have a good neighbourly
18 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 19“ Managing An
and asked her whether she had visited
India and seen Mahatma Gandhi.
She said no. She continued, “When
the war (WW2) was ending, in 1944,
Expansionist Power
Indian soldiers had come to my town.
I was a little girl. A tall soldier with Coming to 1962, much has changed
since then. India has modernised and
a turban gave me chocolates. I shall
never forget him. I wanted to hug
you and tell you this.”
What a human interest story!
equipped its military.
”
In Italy, I have come across similar
stories of the kindness and goodness
of soldiers.
Let us look at what is happening
at the border. I say the border and
not LAC, a Chinese phrase we should
stop using. The argument that the
border is not delineated on a map
acceptable to both and therefore
we should adopt the LAC is wrong.
Because LAC also is not drawn on
a map. China treats the LAC as a
movable line to suit its aggressive
ambition. In Galvan our brave
soldiers stood firm and China had to
withdraw. We salute the bravery and
patriotism of our brave heroes and
shall never forget them. They shall
inspire us for all time.
Recently, there has been disturbing escalation in China’s
The soldier is the only
professional who makes the ultimate aggressive behaviour towards India and others. China’s
sacrifice for the country. We the relations with the United States is at a new low.
public are eternally beholden to them. India has not lost any war. supports the soldier. Sooner rather by N. V. Subramanian, Writer, Analyst and Journalist.
Without them we are not safe. Coming to 1962, much has than later, China will realise the
The Indian Army has a glorious changed since then. India has march of folly it has undertaken and
history. Take Pakistan. It invaded modernised and equipped its military. sit down with India across the table New Delhi: There is a quotation known but not articulated with his Allies only marginally. The Germans
Jammu and Kashmir shortly after There is no question about our ability and sort out matters in a civilised which is attributed to the French simplicity. Without Clemenceau’s surrendered. But the French supreme
independence and the Pakistan Army to take on China if need be. While we way. But we cannot afford to bring premier, Georges Clemenceau, who leadership in the last make-or-break allied commander, Ferdinand Foch,
was about to capture Srinagar when know that China knows our ability to down our level of vigilance. rallied the Allies in the last year of the phase of the conflict, it was possible had no stomach to carry the battle
Indian Army stepped in and made stand up to them and therefore China Dear soldier, please remember First World War to victory against that the German war machine, into Berlin. That lack of stomach
them retreat. In 1965 Pakistan started is unlikely to start a war, prudence that for the entire nation from Kaiser’s Germany. “War,” he said, although bedraggled, would prevail. provided the psychological advantage
the war and was badly beaten. In requires that we should be ready and Kashmir to Kanyakumari you are our “is too serious a matter to entrust This is not the place to go into the to Hitler when he overran France and
1971 also Pakistan started the war prepared for all eventualities. hero and we stand behind you. We to military men.” Variations of that details of the last fighting which saw conquered Western Europe save the
and it resulted in the dismemberment There is confrontation in are convinced that your valour and quotation often make their way into some of the bloodiest trench warfare British Isles twenty-two years later
of Pakistan and the birth of Ladakh. Our hearts go to our brave diligence will send the aggressor back publication now and then. of the conflict. only to be doomed by his own lack of
Bangladesh. In short, but for the soldiers facing the cold weather and to where he came from. Clemenceau was putting into But Clemenceau’s intervention strategic purpose.
1962 war with China, independent the difficult terrain. The whole nation words a truism that was always well- tilted the balance in favour of the This small portion of potted
20 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 21history acquires relevance when affairs is also considerable. Besides, This cannot be done by the army or China? Even if I should think so, India seeks. It must absolutely be few all-weather friends. Hostile
considering India-China relations. nuclear powers don’t go to war; not by diplomats. Disengagement talks I would hesitate to say so. Not clear about its priorities and shed relations leading to a no-war-no-
They have been rough this year like even limited war. This is not the have to happen at the level of top being a democracy, China does prestige where it comes in the way peace situation in the entire eastern
never in recent decades and the time Ussuri River of 1969 for prolonged political leaders of both countries not understand how a democracy without abasing itself. The priority and northern sectors of the frontier
ahead does not appear promising. clashes to occur under the nuclear and, even then, it will take months works. It imagines every expressed for India is to lift the masses out joined with historical hostilities in the
In the Galwan Valley clashes of overhang. And India faces nuclear before anything is discernible on the opinion as official policy or thinking. of poverty and escape the middle- west will put a huge military strain
June, about twenty Indian soldiers weapons on two coordinated fronts ground. It has no notion of the concept of income trap. Prestige today comes on India and on the economy which
and their commanding officer were which somehow escapes hawkish Countries have to realise what freedom of expression. Relations are not from having nuclear weapons needs every available resource to
killed. Presumably some Chinese also calculations. While the country they lose by going to war. Such already fraught. I have no interest in (which are unusable anyhow) or large propel growth. There is no guarantee
died in the fighting but that is no obviously can’t lose more territory, realisation will prevent rivalries from making them worse. Strategists know standing armies (wars are outmoded) that political-level talks will lead to
consolation. disengagement is equally imperative. spinning out of control. India turned something else. Countries base their but from possessing a powerful quick disengagement but a military
the corner with the 1991 economic counter strategies on capacities of economy and a vast technical and solution will only leave deep and
reforms. India rose to become a lower rival countries. Intents are secondary. industrial base. What really spooks unhealable wounds behind. More
middle-income country because of It can also happen that intents are Western powers and especially the than anything else, India needs peace
reforms. It would have regressed to expressed not commensurate with United States about China? It is not to find its feet and grow. Too much
worse without. A lot of hard work capacity, making the other side so much its hypersonic weapons, its has gone wrong. For the satisfaction
is necessary to make it to a middle- take countermeasures which prove expanding inventory of warfighting of its long-term interests, India has to
income country, and even more ultimately shocking and demoralising. platforms, etc, but things like the reach an honourable accommodation
perseverance is required so that it I would skirt that trap altogether MIC 2025 (Made in China 2025) with China and remove the spectre of
escapes the “middle-income trap”. by making the proposition that India programme. It frightens them. The a two-front war.
Few countries do. and China are too important for United States is the world leader of There is a sense of disbelief
In this situation, any rivalry one another and for the peace and innovation; its leadership position on the Indian side that relations
with China has to be economic. It prosperity of southern Asia and that actually derives from there. It is with China have plummeted so
cannot be territorial and military war is simply not an option. China China’s aim to displace America in dramatically and disastrously but
even while preserving the possessions knows its priorities absolutely. Being that realm. Its ambitions and choices there were all the signs of a storm
and the advantages, if any. Rivalries a Great Power, China has a certain are extraordinary. If there is anything breaking out since the Doklam
of a non-economic nature are simply prestige it is keen to preserve. But India can learn from its neighbour, crisis. While indulging in a blame-
unaffordable. The ends of revanchism in the immediate post-1949 phase it is to think big, shed shibboleths, game helps no one, a degree of
cannot be happy. Fortunately, India’s and for several decades thereafter, it and make democratic party-political introspection is necessary. The
predicament is not unique. World remained humble or at least played competition not an end in itself Galwan Valley tragedy could have
history abounds with examples of the humility card. On his first visit to but an ally and servitor of nation- been averted had diplomats kept
neighbours who overcame bitterness Moscow upon gaining power, Mao building. their eyes and ears open and not
to forge a new future. Britain, France Zedong was slighted by Joseph Stalin This is easier said than done. bought into the propaganda.
and Germany were at the centre of who did not permit the Korean War But a beginning has to be made. Threatening Pakistan on a daily
some of Western Europe’s enduring to cease in his lifetime. Mao bore the Politics has to seize the high ground basis is not the same as throwing
Galwan Valley
troubles. They were joined towards insults till China was in a position in India-China relations leading to revanchist challenges at China – and
the close of the nineteenth century to strike out. A variant of that was a negotiated disengagement and from the floor of Parliament no
While both sides are that: jingoism. The Clemenceau in the league of Great Powers by the Deng Xiaoping’s rise-by-stealth policy eventually to a border settlement. The less. Expansionist powers are always
locked eyeball-to-eyeball on the principle has come to bear on United States, Tsarist Russia and which had the United States eating annus horribilis of 2020 must remain difficult to deal with. Ask Russia’s
undemarcated frontier, chances of political authority rather aggressively Imperial Japan. Their rivalry was so out of his hands. Xi Jinping reckons one of a kind. While China has a neighbours and especially Ukraine in
active hostilities have diminished with and unwantedly. For all the talk, war great that they fought two world the time for stealth and humility are stake in good relations with India the present day or acquaint yourself
the cold of winter being the greater is not an option. wars (total wars) and the Cold War over. But even he needs allies. Thus, and must ensure that it does not drift with the strains imposed on the states
adversary for soldiers outdoors. The Nor should it be. I have no (in a thermonuclear environment). the deepening relations with Vladimir into the US orbit, India has an even contiguous to Nazi Germany by
earlier jingoism to rout the Chinese desire to get into war-gaming. Differences persist among them but Putin’s Russia. bigger one in making the most of Hitler. Managing expansionist powers
from the occupied one thousand Not just are the known unknowns war is unthinkable now. There is no escape for India the world’s number two economic is an art and science and it’s time
square kilometres of territories vast; the unknown unknowns are I have often come across from the historical cycles. There are power in the north and not getting India immerses in a long and arduous
claimed by India have remained just prodigious. The revolution in military the question: Can India take on no shortcuts to rise, if rise it is that trapped in geopolitical rivalries with study of it.
22 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 23Countering
China: A Salute
To The Indian
Armed Forces
India should have no hesitation in revoking its stance
about Tibet’s status and should go even one step further
and link it with China’s recognition of J&K.
by Lt Gen C A Krishnan
Decades of negotiations and China rolled out the Wuhan benign Chinese rise’ and exploited
Joint Working Group meetings have virus in December 2019. Even the crisisby adopting a tough stance
not made any worthwhile progress now, after a year, the whole world on trade with countries like US and
towards settling the long standing continues to reel under its impact Australia, attempting aggressively
border dispute along the3488 Km with China being the only exception. to gob-ble up companies in the
India China border. China has Detection of new mutant strains is strained global markets and blatantly
shown no desire, over the past sixty only making things worse. using a “debt trap strategy” against
Mobilization Indian Army
years, to resolve the dispute, and At the dawn of twenty first third world countries. This hurry
in fact,their multiple claim lines century, China was already well on to establish an economic monopoly
including some outrageous ones track vying for the numero uno seems to have been dictated by the and perceives a desperate need to Pakistan in 2016 and the Balakot air unexpectedly, the changing trend
and their inconsistent stance have position in the world order. As 2020 ruling Chinese Communist Party’s break the stranglehold in the Malacca strike by Indian Air Force in early continued and in August 2019, the
actually resulted in an increase in the panned out, the situation looked (CCP) professed goal of transforming strait. The China-Pakistan Economic 2019 had demonstrated a renewed Indian Parliament, through a two
number of contentious points along tailor made for China to come to China into a ‘fully developed and Corridor (CPEC) provides China Indian resolve to shift gears in thirds majority, passed a resolution
the border. China uses the disputed the world’s rescue in fighting the advanced nation by 2049’and the fear a gateway into the Arabian Sea and Jammu &Kashmir, these incidents for abrogation of Article 370 and
border as a convenient pressure point virus and its painful economic of “Growing old before growing rich”. Middle East, and a viable alternative were not really inconsistent with reorganization of J&K state. This
against India. Border Stan-doff in disruption. But instead of availing In its relentless pursuit to to get around the Malacca strait the periodic spikes witnessed in the took China and Pakistan by surprise.
Chumar in 2014, Burtse in 2015 the opportunity to earn global good become a High Income Country strangle-hold. India-Pakistan border dynamics, and These developments, combined with
and Doklam in 2017 were typical will and enhance its soft power, (HIC), China feels constrained by Although Indian Army’s surgical China, therefore, had no reason to India’s renewed Border infrastructure
examples of this. China shed all pretense of the‘ its inadequate access to the oceans strike across the Line of Control with be unduly disturbed by these. But, push, especially the Darbuk – Shyok
24 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 25– Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO)road with that an earlier resolution to unify Depsang plains, Galwan Valley and professional, combat oriented Air
an additional link under construction Kashmir,which had looked insipid the Finger area along the North force and a Navy, which,either alone
from Nubra valley via Saser La, and meaningless when it was Bank of Pangong Tso. PLA cleverly or with allies can cause considerable
suddenly altered the existing equation passed by the Indian parliament in combined these actions with disruption to Chinese Shipping,
in Ladakh. Indian armed forces now 1994,suddenly shed its insipid looks aggressive overtures along their border makes the overall Indian position far
and seemed within the realms of with Nepal and Bhutan also, in an stronger than something that China
“
possibility. In the backdrop of these attempt to convey the impression of can run roughshod over.
developments, China perceived a activating the entire northern border It is also a fact that while its
certain degree of vulnerability to of India. On 15 June 2020, PLA economy may be on very sound
its critical lines of communications troops violated all protocols and footing, the Chinese armed forces
in Aksai Chin and even the CPEC. norms and attacked unsuspecting may not be so. The last successful
On 15 June It had to act fast and chose the Indian Army personnel with rods and
An army convoy carrying military material on its way to Ladakh
battle it fought was in 1962 where
time tested salami slicing strategy sticks killing 20 Indian soldiers in the PLA was actually given a walkover
2020, PLA to remove the newly manifested Galwan valley. In the Indian response,
amid border tension with China, at Manali-Leh highway
except in isolated pockets. Thereafter,
vulnerability. China reportedly lost over twice the whether against the Indian Army
troops violated Over the years, a number number. All these happened without they faced. makes India’s overall position in the in Nathula in 1987 or against the
all protocols of border agreements such as the
1993 Border Peace and Tranquility
any exchange of fire! The entire
country mourned and honoured
It was under these circumstances
that the Indian Army sprung a
sector far more balanced than it has
ever been after the 1962 war.
Vietnamese in 1979, PLA’s record
has been poor. Another major factor
and norms Agreement and the 1996 Agreement
on Confidence Building Measures
the death of India’s martyrs. In
sharp contrast, in order to claim a
surprise on 29/30 August 2020. For What can China do now? which is generally glossed over is the
fact that the Chinese armed forces
the first time since 1962, Indian Evicting the seasoned Indian troops
and attacked have been signed between India and moral victory, PLA felt compelled troops made a total departure from from the Kailash Range may not be are in the midst of a prolonged
China to deal with any incidents to hide its causality figures and deny their established pattern of response an option. The rugged,treacherous, transformation mode, transforming
unsuspecting that may take place along the Line its fallen soldiers the honour and to Chinese incursions and carried high altitude mountainous terrain from a force structured, equipped,
of Actual Control (LAC). Although recognition they deserved. Although out a counter move and occupied imposes severe restrictions on manned and trained to guard its
Indian Army border incidents involving hand to the Corps commander level talks the Kailash mountain Range, South employment of equipment and borders to becoming a professional
personnel with hand scuffles to physically block the
other side’s patrols from moving
which followed prevented any further
flare up, China refused to pull troops
of Pangong Tso. It was a perfectly
legitimate action as the features they
use of high tech gadgets and war
fighting equipment. The single
global military super power with
focus on the oceans, space, cyber,
rods and sticks beyond agreed limits was not an behind mutually agreed limits and occupied are well on the Indian side biggest asset under such conditions power projection and acquiring out
uncommon occurrence, protocols restore status quo ante. Instead, it of the LAC. In its sheer audacity is human resource, the high altitude of area and expeditionary capabilities.
killing 20 Indian laid down in the agreements unleashed its propaganda machinery and far reaching implications, this oriented, acclimatized, seasoned, A great deal of PLA’s human expertise
successfully prevented these incidents claiming that Indian troops had perfectly legitimate action took the experienced and motivated soldier. and experience in the mountains has
soldiers in Galwan from flaring up into use of fire triggered the turmoil and China had Chinese and many critics of the Army This is the asset that India cashed been traded for acquiring a different
valley.
arms or attempts to cause any injury only acted in defence and taught even within India,by total surprise. on to successfully counter the PLA. set of skills while embarking on this
during such ‘scuffles’. It is, however, India a proper lesson in the bargain. It had made the Chinese incursions Rotation system of the Indian Army journey of becoming a global super
”
important to note that almost In the garb of free press, surprisingly, along the North bank of Pangong Tso ensures that at any point in time, power, and at the moment, the PLA
always, such incidents were triggered handful of Indian media houses and irrelevant and unviable while giving at least one third of all soldiers and looks unsure of its capability to
by seemingly deliberate actions by even some of the self proclaimed Indian troops domination over the officers of every combat unit of the execute a classical offensive operations
Chinese PLA and every time it was Indian strategists also subscribed to Maldo area, Spangur Gap, Pangong army are high altitude trained and against any well en-trenched
Indian troops that walked the extra this Chinese propaganda. Through Tso and also created certain degree possess a high degree of high altitude adversary in the mountains. It is also
mile to prevent any major flare up. this widespread false propaganda, of vulnerability for the Xinjiang experience and expertise. High a long way short of acquiring the
had access to Highway 219 across This had become an established Indian army, Indian government and highway. Altogether, in many ways, altitude expertise does not come with status of a global super power with
the LAC as well as to Aksai Chin and pattern. the country as a whole was being it turned the tables on the Chinese training alone as it requires prolonged glaring voids in requisite leadership,
the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Summer of 2020 saw the projected in poor light. For the Army, and for once India retained the stay and exposure to the extreme experience, credible allies, and proven
Region. Equally significant is the Chinese repeatedly indulging in the false propaganda of ‘China having initiative in the sector. Although PLA weather and terrain conditions. ability for coordinated action by
fact that Gilgit-Baltistan,through incursions and retaining troop taught India a lesson so easily’ by continues to be in an advantageous India can rightfully boast of the best globally dispersed forces. Further,
which CPEC runs,lies just to the presence beyond mutually agreed some people within the country was position in the Depsang plains to the mountain troops in the world. This some critics of PLA even say that for
West of DBO. It is also significant limits in Ladakh, especially in far more hurting than the hazards North, control over Kailash Range capability, combined with a highly far too long the Chinese have focused
26 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 27You can also read
