India Conducts Large-Scale Military Exercise in Eastern Ladakh

August 7, 2024

India is currently holding a big military exercise in Eastern Ladakh, involving all main parts of its armed forces. This exercise is very important because of the ongoing tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Purpose of the Exercise

The main goal of this exercise is to check and improve how ready the Indian Army is to quickly respond to any potential conflicts. The maneuvers are taking place near areas that are known to be trouble spots.

Troop Deployment and Infrastructure

India has about 50,000 troops in Eastern Ladakh, having increased their presence since Chinese military activities increased in 2020. Over the past four years, the Indian forces have built important infrastructure, like housing, all-weather roads, and communication systems, to support operations in harsh winter conditions.

Strategic Reorientation

After the Galwan clash in June 2020, India shifted its military focus from Pakistan to its northern border with China. The 1 Strike Corps is now responsible for operations in Ladakh, and the 17 Mountain Strike Corps is focused on the Northeast and Sikkim regions. The ongoing exercise will include new technologies and systems to counter Chinese advancements, such as loitering munitions, swarm drones, counter-drone systems, and improved surveillance technologies.

Armoured and Artillery Units

The Indian Army has stationed a large number of heavily armored units close to the border. This includes T90 and T72 main battle tanks, which are powerful vehicles designed for combat. They also have K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery guns, which are mobile and can fire long distances, and different missile systems.

One important missile system they are using is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. This missile is very fast and can travel at high speeds, making it effective for both defense and attack. By deploying these advanced weapons and equipment, the Indian Army aims to enhance its ability to both defend itself and launch attacks if needed.

About the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a 3,488 km-long border between India and China, not officially marked. It came into existence after the 1962 Sino-Indian War and is very important for the relationship between the two countries. Unlike traditional borders, both nations have different views on where the LAC lies. The disputed areas include Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. Regular patrols often lead to confrontations, such as the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The LAC shows the complexity of geopolitics in the Himalayas and affects regional security dynamics.

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