China has expressed reservations regarding India's decision to increase troop presence at the disputed border, deeming it "not conducive to easing tensions," according to a statement from a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman on Friday. Media reports suggest that India has allocated a contingent of 10,000 soldiers, previously stationed at its western border, to reinforce its disputed border with China.
The Uttar Bharat (UB) Area in Bareilly, primarily
designed for administrative, training, and peace-time purposes, is undergoing
transformation into a fully-fledged corps. This newly configured corps will
include additional infantry, artillery, aviation, air defense, and engineer
brigades. The aim is to make the UB Area an operational corps responsible for
guarding the middle sector of the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC), as per
sources.
While both nations have agreed to maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels, recent meetings have focused on resolving border issues in the western section of the China-India border. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, stated that China is committed to working with India to ensure peace and stability in the border areas. However, Mao expressed concern that India's military build-up may not contribute to calming tensions or maintaining peace and safety in the region.
Despite 20 rounds of corps commander-level talks, China has resisted India's calls for troop disengagement in the face-offs at Depsang Plains and the Charding Ninglung Nallah track junction at Demchok in Ladakh. The clashes in Galwan in mid-2020 resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and 70 Chinese troops. Both nations have fortified positions and deployed troops and equipment in the region over the past few years.
India has redeployed nearly 10,000 soldiers from its western border to secure the 532-km border with China in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. An additional 9,000 soldiers designated for the China border will now fall under the newly established fighting command. The combined force will be responsible for guarding the 532 km stretch of the border in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
While the Indian Army and defense ministry have not officially commented on these developments, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the preparedness of Indian soldiers to respond resolutely to any threat to the nation's security. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking in Japan, highlighted China's failure to uphold longstanding written agreements with India, raising concerns about the stability of the relationship and intentions between the two nations
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