Satellite images show new Chinese base under construction near Pangong Lake

Even as India and China are holding talks to resolve the stand-off in eastern Ladakh, senior Indian military sources who have analysed satellite imagery of a new Chinese base on the north bank of the Pangong Lake say that the site “is unlike any other site” that lies on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual control.

The site in question lies 36 kilometres east of the LAC on territory China holds. It is approximately 15 km east of a new bridge that China has constructed across the high-altitude Pangong Lake in Ladakh and marks Beijing’s latest effort at stepping up pressure in areas near the Line of Actual Control which were previously unoccupied, said an NDTV report.

The images captured by US-based Maxar Technologies on October 9 showed more than 70 permanent structures and smaller hutments spread over a large area around 38 km east of the Line of Actual Control.

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Twin functions of site

NDTV quoted military sources as saying that the site “has been dispersed over a wide area. This has been done to reduce the potential impact of missile attacks.” The site appears to have two primary functions – to accommodate soldiers and porters who are involved in China’s construction activity in the area and to store logistics for potential transfer to locations along the LAC with India. “Each structure can accommodate 6-8 soldiers or up to 10 tonnes of logistics,” said military experts. This can include ammunition, including artillery shells.

“A major development initiative appears to be underway at this village, evidenced by the heavy machinery, including cranes, and substantial supply depots,” geospatial imagery expert Damien Symon told NDTV. “The settlement is witnessing the development of multiple double-storey buildings alongside village administrative offices and emerging town centres. Electrification efforts are progressing as power lines are drawn from the southern highway. Furthermore, to secure the water supply, a potential pumping station is being constructed to the north, drawing fresh water from an adjacent riverbed. Thanks to these preparations, the village, once established, is likely to be well-shielded from the area's extreme and unforgiving climate.”

Symon, perhaps the closest international observer of fresh developments along the India-China frontier, says that construction activity at the new site appears to replicate similar activity in Chinese-held areas on the South bank of the Pangong Lake.

'Changes facts on ground'

Notably, the site was clear in April 2022. However, the construction started in March 2024.

Former Northern Army Commander Lt General DS Hooda (retired) said the site under construction has dual uses. “It enables China to say that they are only improving facilities for the civilian population, but this is clearly dual-use infrastructure that would be utilised by the military in a conflict.”

The construction of this site also changes facts on the ground. “Article VII of the 2005 agreement between India and China on the political parameters and guiding principles for the settlement of the boundary question states that ‘in reaching a boundary settlement, the two sides shall safeguard due interests of the settled population in border areas.’ However, by creating these villages in areas claimed by India, where there was no settled population, China is attempting to strengthen its claims and weaken our bargaining position. This is a long game,” Lt Gen Hooda told the news channel.

Also Read: China says troops disengaged from 4 places including Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh

MEA yet to respond

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has not responded specifically to the new Chinese construction activity. However, India has significantly stepped up infrastructure development along the China frontier.

This includes the construction of roads, tunnels, and other military facilities to ensure that Indian forces are well-prepared and can swiftly respond to any challenges posed by Chinese actions along the LAC.

India's Vibrant Villages programme, for which Rs 4,800 crore has been allocated from 2022-23 to 2025-26, is aimed at the comprehensive development of villages along the Northern border. The project, which promotes infrastructure development, livelihood opportunities and cultural and heritage promotion targets 2,967 villages in total. The project has a broader strategic goal of maintaining an Indian presence along the border which is seen as a deterrent against territorial encroachments.