RAJNATH TELLS IAF TO BE READY TO HANDLE ANY EVENTUALITY

With talks between India and China on military face off hitting a dead end as of now, defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday told the top commanders of the Indian Air Force (IAF) “to stand ready to handle any eventuality”.

There has been no further progress in the disengagement after the Corps Commanders meeting between the two countries on July 14 on Pangong Tso, Hot Springs general area and Depsang plains.

Inaugurating the Air Force Commanders’ Conference, defence minister said that the professional manner in which the IAF conducted the air strikes in Balakot as well as rapid deployment of the IAF assets at forward locations in response to the prevailing situation in Eastern Ladakh has sent a strong message to the adversaries.

He said that the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty stands firm on the faith its people have in the capability of its armed forces. “He alluded to the ongoing efforts for de-escalation on LAC and urged the IAF to stand ready to handle any eventuality,” said the IAF statement.

China has brought a large number of troops estimated to be around 40,000 soldiers in the front and depth areas at the LAC in the Ladakh sector where they have also amassed tanks, artillery, aircraft and radars, jammers. India has also done mirror deployment of its troops in Ladakh to counter the Chinese. India has also deployed tanks, heavy artillery and air defence system in the Ladakh sector.