1 october 2024 : Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated on Tuesday that the situation along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh is “stable, but not normal,” amidst the prolonged military standoff with China. Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024, organized by the Indian Army and the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, he noted that the situation remains “sensitive” and emphasized that trust has become “the biggest casualty” during this standoff.
While he acknowledged positive signals from diplomatic efforts, he pointed out that the execution of agreements depends on the military commanders of both nations. “Diplomatic efforts provide options and possibilities, but ground execution relies on military decisions,” he explained. The military standoff, now in its fifth year, shows no signs of immediate resolution, though India hopes ongoing negotiations will help restore the status quo that existed before April 2020.
General Dwivedi expressed that the objective is to revert to the conditions that prevailed before April 2020, including ground occupation, buffer zones, and patrolling rights. Until that is achieved, he assured that India remains fully operationally prepared for any eventualities.
India and China have engaged in multiple rounds of diplomatic and military discussions to ease tensions along the LAC. “We have made significant progress, with several initial issues already resolved. Currently, all matters, including those in Depsang and Demchok, are open for negotiation,” he stated. Although four rounds of disengagement have occurred in areas like Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Gogra (PP-17A), and Hot Springs (PP-15), issues at Depsang and Demchok remain unresolved. Both armies continue to maintain tens of thousands of troops and advanced weaponry in the Ladakh region.
