Slow Disengagement Between Indian, Chinese Troops In Ladakh Due To Suspicion On Both Sides: CDS General Bipin Rawat

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat on Friday (11 June) said that the disengagement between the Indian and Chinese troops in Eastern Ladakh has been slow because of suspicion on both sides, reports Times of India.

General Rawat noted that China was a bigger security challenge to India than Pakistan, and also said that India has communicated to Beijing that the restoration of the status quo in Eastern Ladakh as it existed in April 2020 was the 'bottomline' for India.

General Rawat also said that if that happens, there "will be some kind of belief in each other, satisfaction that it's not likely to lead to further escalation."

He added, "I am quite sure both sides are looking to return to status quo ante."

It should be noted that General Rawat's assertions come at a time when the Indian Army's top brass is slated to meet next week to review the operational situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The review meeting is set to take place from 16-18 June and it will be chaired by Indian Army chief General MM Naravane.