Armed Forces Deployed Along Sino-India Border Given ‘Full Freedom’ To Deal With Chinese Aggression: Report

In a major development, the armed forces deployed along the 3,500-km de-facto border with China have been given full freedom to counter to any Chinese aggressive behaviour, reports ZEE News.

The report quotes government sources as saying that Indian Army and Indian Air Forces have been enhancing their operational capabilities along the LAC to effectively deal with any Chinese misadventure.

The decision was taken in the high-level meeting held today between Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and all three service chiefs on the India-China border standoff in eastern Ladakh in the backdrop of the recent clash between troops of the two countries that led to the killing of 20 Indian soldiers.

In the over half-hour discussion at his residence, Singh reportedly suggested to the CDS and the three service chiefs to be "fully prepared" to take any unprecedented action as per the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in view of the ongoing situation in Ladakh. It is learnt that the Army has been advised by the Defence Minister to be very cautious during patrol duty and enhance strict vigil at the border with China.

The other two forces have been asked to keep proper observation on land and sea lanes. The minister also discussed some critical defence deals which are expected to be inked during his visit to Russia. Singh's meeting took place ahead of his June 24 visit to Russia where he will witness the Victory Day Military Parade being organised in Moscow on the 75th anniversary of the Russia victory in World War II.

A tri-service 75-member Indian military contingent has already reached Moscow to participate in the Victory Parade along with Russian contingent and other invited contingents.

With IANS Inputs