China deploys 40,000 troops in Ladakh amid de-escalation efforts: Report

Amid the ongoing efforts to de-escalate tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), China has deployed around 40,000 troops in the Eastern Ladakh, ANI reported. The move comes hours after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the Indian Air Force for its rapid deployment of assets at forward locations in response to the border row with China.

According to the report, sources said that China had “not shown any signs” of the disengagement process and had continued to deploy their troops with the support of heavy weaponry in front and depth areas. The de-escalation efforts have not made any progress and even ground positions have not changed, ANI quoted the sources as saying.

In an address to the top commanders of the IAF on the opening day of a three-day conference on Wednesday (July 22), the Defence Minister said the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty stood firm and that the people of the country had full confidence in the capability of its armed forces.

Singh also talked about the “professional manner” in which the IAF conducted the air-strikes deep inside Pakistan’s Balakot last year and appreciated the force for its proactive response in bolstering its operational capabilities over the past few months.

“He stated that the professional manner in which IAF conducted the air-strikes in Balakot as well as rapid deployment of IAF assets at forward locations in response to the prevailing situation in eastern Ladakh has sent a strong message to the adversaries,” the Defence Ministry said in a release.

(With inputs from agencies)