India-China disengage on LAC, but troops remain at high altitude
Indian and Chinese soldiers are set to conduct joint patrols along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, following their disengagement from Depsang and Demchok. This development comes as the Indian Army prepares for its fifth consecutive winter of heavy deployment in the harsh and elevated region. Despite the disengagement, troop levels on both sides remain unchanged, necessitating continued vigilance.
This involves ensuring operational preparedness along the LAC at extreme altitudes up to 18,000 ft with temperatures plummeting to minus 30 degrees Celsius. The Army must maintain uninterrupted logistic support and keep weapons and equipment in working condition, all while bearing significant economic and psychological costs.
Following the 2020 standoff with China in Ladakh and the northeast, India undertook an unprecedented level of military deployment. Over 68,000 soldiers, around 90 tanks, 330 BMP infantry combat vehicles, radar systems, artillery guns, and other equipment were inducted. Additionally, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed its fighters, attack helicopters, and surveillance aircraft to bolster the country’s defence capabilities. Prior to this deployment, the estimated troop strength along the LAC was 10,000, as per sources.
In 2020, tensions escalated between India and China when China’s People’s Liberation Army blocked Indian access to patrolling points (PP) 10 to 13 in Depsang Plains and the Charding Nullah area in Demchok Sector. Prior to this, both nations had made progress in disengaging from other contested areas, including PP 14 in Galwan, PP 15 near Hot Springs, and PP 17A at Gogra, as well as the north and south banks of Pangong Tso. These are among over two dozen sensitive areas earmarked along the LAC, of which 13 have experienced frequent incursions.
“What we have just witnessed is disengagement, that is troops are no longer in eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation and have pulled back to some distance on their respective sides and removed temporary structures, posts, tents and surveillance equipment. However, this is not de-escalation or de-induction of troops from that sector and force strength continues to remain the same,” a senior officer said.
“Since there is a trust deficit between both sides, there is no way India can afford to lower its guard,” he added.
By the end of November, Ladakh’s road links via the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways are severed by heavy snowfall. To prepare for this, the Army undertakes extensive winter stocking, store replenishment, and troop rotation before the cut-off.
After the clashes in Galwan during June 2020, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian and an estimated 40 Chinese soldiers, both nations dug in for a prolonged standoff. The Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) identified essential equipment needs to maintain operational capabilities and support high troop levels. It included items of personal use such as extreme cold climate clothing, arctic tents and insulated habitats, oil and lubricants, fuel additives, medical supplies, generators and power packs, all-terrain vehicles, long range surveillance equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, light tanks, specialised ammunition and anti-tank missiles.
In response to the border tensions, the government granted emergency financial powers of Rs 500 crore per procurement project for weapons and ammunition to each of the three services. That year alone, Rs 5,000 crore was spent under emergency clauses, and such procurement from domestic and foreign sources and additional inductions and works have continued over the past four years.
In August 2024, the government had enhanced the annual special financial powers of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command from Rs 400 crore to Rs 500 crore, and that of the Eastern Command chief from Rs 200 crore to Rs 400 crore. This enabled emergency procurement of equipment and undertaking other defence projects to meet immediate operational requirements.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with the private industry, too has been deeply involved in building up indigenous capability for high altitude warfare, including platforms like the Zorawar light tank.
Long-term deployment and sustenance of troops at ‘super high altitude’ — up to 18,000 ft — is DRDO’s new focus area, and a lot of research is being directed at human physiology, protective measures and effective functioning of equipment. Low oxygen levels, extreme cold, climatic variations and high ultraviolet intensity adversely affect the human body, reducing physical efficiency or resulting in medical disorders, besides having a psychological impact. Basic bodily functions such as breathing, blood circulation and digestion tend to get suppressed. Machines, especially electronics and fossil-fuel engines, also get affected at low temperature and rarefied air.
According to the Army and ITBP officers, the 2020 incident resulted in a significant change in the Indian posture along the LAC, requiring not only enhanced manpower and organisational restructuring, but also deployment in additional areas and at greater heights. “This is the new normal requiring appropriate logistical support and technologies,” he said. “Unless effective mechanisms to ensure the sanctity of the LAC and confidence building measures are put in place by both sides at the tactical, strategic and diplomatic level, de-escalation or thinning down troops cannot happen,” an officer said.
