Pune, Jan 15: Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi stated on Wednesday that the scenario along the northern border remains stable yet sensitive, emphasizing that “the events of Galwan must not be repeated”.
He assured that his forces are completely prepared and capable of addressing any situation.
During his speech at the 77th Army Day celebrations, the Army chief highlighted the substantial focus on advancing modern equipment and essential infrastructure at the northern border.
“It is essential to ensure that the occurrences of Galwan do not happen again,” he remarked to reporters after the celebrations.
“This entails a vigilant approach involving everyone’s efforts at a national level. Be it diplomatic, military, or even through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), particularly the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), we all need to collaborate to prevent any such surprises moving forward,” the Army chief emphasized.
The military standoff in eastern Ladakh between India and China commenced in May 2020, culminating in a lethal clash in Galwan Valley in June of that year, which significantly strained relations between the two nations.
In response to a question about the situation along the northern border, he asserted, “The northern borders are secure as the Indian Army is strategically deployed there to maintain the position”.
A recent agreement between India and China regarding patrolling and troop disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh represents progress in resolving the four-year standoff.
This development is seen as a crucial step towards alleviating tensions along the LAC in eastern Ladakh following the violent confrontation in Galwan Valley, marking a significant military conflict between both sides in decades.
Relations between the two Asian powers deteriorated post-clash.
During his address at the Army Day event, the Army chief noted that while a ceasefire is upheld along the Line of Control (LoC), “attempts at infiltration persist”.
Ongoing efforts by security forces within Jammu and Kashmir have led to a reduction in violence in the region.
“We are committed to modernizing the Indian Army into a force that is agile, adaptable, technology-driven, and capable in the future,” Gen Dwivedi stated.
The parade featured advanced Army platforms, including a fly-past by three Su-30 aircraft, along with various marching contingents.
For the first time, the parade included an all-girl contingent from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and an all-woman Agniveer contingent from the Corps of Military Police (CMP) Centre and School, along with 12 marching ‘robotic mules’.
Gen Dwivedi remarked that the 77th Army Day Parade in Pune holds special significance due to its historical valor dating back to the Maratha era.
The Army Day celebrations in Pune reflect “our profound connection” with the region’s heritage, he noted.
This year marked the inaugural celebration in Pune, with the Army Day Parade (ADP) conducted at the Bombay Engineers Group (BEG) and Centre, part of the Army’s Southern Command. (Agencies)
