Trust-building with China on, but LAC vigilance essential, says Army chief, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized sustained alertness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Tuesday.
• India and China are working to enhance the “trust factor” between their militaries.
• A significant understanding was reached between India and China on October 21, 2024.
• India considers the 1963 agreement between Pakistan and China regarding Shaksgam Valley as illegal.
• The Army chief highlighted the need for India to establish a dedicated rocket-missile force.
• Pinaka rocket system was successfully tested with a range of 120 km, with plans to extend it to 300-450 km.

Detailed Insights:

• Diplomatic and military engagements include meetings between top leaders in Kazan and Tianjin, Special Representative-level talks, and Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination meetings.
• India's Defence Minister and External Affairs Minister each held two meetings with their Chinese counterparts to maintain border calm.
• Communication channels are open at various levels to resolve minor issues locally and prevent escalation into major problems.
• India does not accept the joint statement issued in China on CPEC 2.0 and views it as an illegal action by Pakistan and China.
• The establishment of a dedicated rocket-missile force is seen as crucial for achieving the desired impact in modern warfare.
• Systems like Pralay and BrahMos signal a strong push towards enhancing India’s long-range precision-strike capability.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Line of Actual Control (LAC): The de facto border between India and China.
• CPEC: A collection of infrastructure projects that are under construction throughout Pakistan since 2013.
• Shaksgam Valley: A territory ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963, a move not recognized by India.