Despite China’s aggressive stance and incursion into Indian territory, India has now stopped patrolling upto its perception of the Line of Actual Control in the eastern Ladakh area that falls behind the tents set up by Chinese troops. Confirming this, sources said this was because India “does not want to militarily provoke” China. New Delhi feels any patrol of these areas will be viewed by China as an attempt to cut its troops’ supply line and could lead even lead to a sudden border conflagration.
Chinese belligerence is likely to prompt an immediate review of Indian weaponry, including artillery guns (used in mountain areas) to identify critical deficiencies, if any. Attempts could soon be made by the government to address any deficiencies and make procurements swiftly.
The incursion site in the Daulat Beg Oldi area of eastern Ladakh, on which the Chinese PLA pitched five tents, is 19 km into Indian territory. That means India’s perception of the LAC falls 19 km behind the Chinese tented post. It is in this crucial belt that Indian troops stopped venturing into after the Chinese incursion was detected.
Chinese intransigence and belligerence could also cast a shadow on India’s attempts to strengthen border infrastructure on the ground in areas near the Line of Actual Control. However, patrols upto the Indian perception of the LAC continue in other areas.
The Army has not acquired any new artillery system for over two decades, after the late ’80s Bofors controversy. It could soon apprise the government of equipment is needs urgently to plug critical deficiencies. Speculation is rife that emergency procurement may be considered, though sources said there is no move towards that as of now.