India China tensions rocket as 10,000 soldiers sent to border
India has deployed thousands of soldiers along its disputed border with China, escalating tensions and strengthening security in a strategic move.
India has deployed 10,000 soldiers from its western border to strengthen security along a disputed stretch with China, escalating existing tensions between the two nations.
Officials, speaking anonymously, disclosed this strategic move, which includes merging these troops with an existing 9,000-strong contingent designated for the disputed border.
The combined force will safeguard a crucial 532 km (330.57 miles) border area, separating China's Tibet region from India's Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh states.
The Indian Army and Ministry of Defence are yet to comment on the matter. This significant deployment, backed by dedicated artillery and air support, underscores the area's strategic importance.
Tucked in the Himalayas, the region holds Hinduism's sacred sites and has witnessed extensive infrastructure development in the past decade, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tourism promotion efforts.
The decision to reinforce the border stems from India's 2021 move to reposition an additional 50,000 soldiers after a deadly clash in 2020, which left 20 Indian soldiers dead.
The ongoing military buildup and heightened alert reflect the persistent tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
India's Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane, acknowledged the concerns. He said: "The possibility that we may face a similar situation that we faced in 2020 is keeping us active all the time."
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Tensions have strained India-China relations, with minimal progress in 21 rounds of military-diplomatic talks. India has also enacted measures to discourage Chinese investments.
In another development, Japan and India, both part of the Quad grouping, pledged to strengthen security and economic cooperation to counter China's growing influence this week.
The ministers emphasised joint efforts in areas like defence, space and cybersecurity, reflecting a united front in response to regional challenges.