Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has described the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as “stable but sensitive,” highlighting ongoing efforts to address tensions between India and China. Speaking on Monday, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held discussions with the Chinese leadership over the matter.
When asked about the current status at the LAC, General Dwivedi added, “It is stable but sensitive. There have been a series of meetings. Even the Prime Minister has met the Chinese head.”
The Army Chief elaborated on the situation in Ladakh’s Depsang and Demchok areas, where both sides have reportedly halted each other from accessing traditional patrolling zones since April 2020.
“Both sides moved forward and stopped the other from going to traditional patrolling areas. Two rounds of verification patrolling have already been completed, and both sides are satisfied with the process. Regarding grazing grounds, a mutual agreement has been reached. There is no concept of a buffer zone,” Dwivedi said.
He also mentioned the establishment of “temporary moratorium” zones in certain areas during negotiations to prevent the escalation of violence. “Where the degree of violence can be high, creating some distance is necessary. These areas were declared as temporary moratoriums, meaning both sides stay back to avoid potential conflicts,” the Army Chief said.
General Dwivedi emphasized the need for a “new definition” of trust between India and China and called for broader understanding to de-escalate tensions. “Since April 2020, the trust between the two countries requires a new definition. We need to sit together and come to a broader understanding to calm the situation and restore trust. We look forward to the next special representatives’ meeting,” he added.
The Army Chief also shared updates on the inclusion of women officers in the armed forces. He revealed that approximately 1,700 women officers are currently training in Sainik and military schools and will join the Indian Army and tri-services upon completing their training.
“About 1,700 women officers are being trained. This will be a significant step forward and will happen in the most mature way,” he said.
Turning to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, General Dwivedi highlighted that 60 per cent of terrorists neutralized in the region were Pakistani nationals. He also added that 80 per cent of active terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir have links to Pakistan.
“Violence in Jammu and Kashmir is orchestrated by the epicentre of terrorism in Pakistan. In 2024, we added 15,000 troops, resulting in the successful neutralization of terrorists in the region,” Dwivedi said.
(Inputs from ANI)
