Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has said that “disengagement and de-escalation” between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the eastern Ladakh region was the “best way forward” in resolving the ongoing military standoff at the border.
Delivering a keynote address at the Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, Singh said that India would look to continue pursuing a “peaceful resolution” to the dispute. At the same time, he expressed “full confidence” in the Army for dealing with any “contingency” that may arise at the border.
The Army continued to maintain a “high standard of operational preparedness and capabilities”, which Singh said was evident during his regular visits to the forward areas in recent times. “War-preparedness is a continuous phenomenon,” stated Singh.
The defense minister underscored that New Delhi would ensure the “availability of best weapons, equipment and clothing to our troops braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity”.
Asymmetric Warfare to Be Integral Part of Future Wars
Dwelling on the evolving nature of warfare, Singh said that “unconventional and asymmetric warfare”, including hybrid war, will be part of future conventional wars.
“Cyber, information, communication, trade and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts. This necessitates that Armed Forces will have to keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies”, stated Singh.
The defense minister urged the Indian forces to continue to upgrade their technological capabilities, including weapon technologies, ‘act effectively” in any situation.
“He (Rajnath Singh) appreciated the Army’s efforts to develop niche technologies in collaboration with civil industries, including premier educational institutions and thereby progressing towards the aim of Modernisation through indigenisation or 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance),” as per a statement from the Indian defense ministry.
‘Proxy War’ Continues at LoC
The Indian defense minister said that the “proxy war” in the form of “cross-border terrorism” from Pakistan continues to affect India’s western border.
At the same time, the “excellent synergy between the paramilitary forces, police and the Army” contributing to increased stability and peace in the region, Singh concluded.