In a significant move, the Indian Army's top brass will convene in Sikkim for a crucial conference on October 10-11. This marks the first time such a high-level meeting will be held near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, underscoring the ongoing focus on border security.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will address the commanders, emphasizing the importance of the gathering.
The conference, led by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, will address pressing security concerns, particularly the situation along the LAC.
Discussions will focus on the sensitive regions of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, where stand-offs between Indian and Chinese forces have become increasingly frequent.
General Dwivedi recently described the border situation as "stable but not normal," acknowledging the complexities of the tensions that have persisted for the past four years.
This meeting is particularly noteworthy as it is General Dwivedi's first commanders' conference since assuming his role on June 30, 2024. It provides a platform for the Army's leadership to collectively analyze operational issues, capacity building, and human resources, with a renewed focus on the eastern front.
The conference comes amidst signals of a potential peace agreement with China, although the ground situation remains tense.
General Dwivedi recently highlighted the sensitivity of the border, stating that "truth [has become] the biggest casualty." He emphasized the need to restore the status quo ante April 2020, including patrolling rights, for true normalcy to return.
While the Army remains "fully operationally prepared," diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the remaining friction points, such as Chinese deployments at Depsang and the temporary camp at Demchok. The commanders' meeting will likely involve discussions on how to translate any diplomatic progress into tangible improvements on the ground.
The second phase of the conference will be held in New Delhi on October 28-29, where commanders will further analyze lessons from recent global conflicts to enhance the Indian Army's preparedness in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.
