NEW DELHI - The Indian Army is currently engaged in a major strike corps exercise in Eastern Ladakh, involving artillery, armored, and infantry units. The war games are being conducted in close proximity to flashpoints along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border with China. The exercise aims to assess the readiness of troops to rapidly mobilize to the frontlines in the event of hostilities.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is expected to visit the exercise area to oversee the war games and interact with the deployed troops. India has maintained a significant military presence in Eastern Ladakh since the 2020 border standoff with China, with approximately 50,000 troops stationed in the region.
Over the past four years, India has invested in developing new infrastructure in Eastern Ladakh, including housing, all-weather roads, and communication networks, to support its troops in the harsh winter conditions. This follows a reorientation of forces, shifting the focus from the Pakistani border to the Chinese border, in response to the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020.
The ongoing exercise will feature the deployment of new weapons systems acquired to counter the Chinese threat, including loitering munitions, swarm drones, counter-drone systems, and enhanced surveillance capabilities. The Indian Army has also deployed a substantial number of armored units, T90 and T72 main battle tanks, K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery guns, and missile units, including the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile system, near the border.
This exercise underscores the ongoing tensions between India and China along the LAC. Despite several rounds of talks, both sides have been unable to fully disengage from the standoff points. The display of military strength through this exercise is likely intended to send a strong message to China about India's preparedness and resolve to defend its territory.
It is important to note that this exercise is taking place against the backdrop of a broader geopolitical context, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. India's actions reflect a growing concern about China's military modernization and expansionist policies.
