India conducts large-scale military exercises in eastern Ladakh

India is currently conducting a major military exercise in eastern Ladakh, involving all major parts of its armed forces. This exercise is very important due to the current tension with China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Purpose of the exercise

The main objective of this exercise is to test and improve how prepared the Indian Army is to respond immediately to any potential conflict. The maneuvers are carried out near areas considered to be trouble zones.

Deployment of troops and infrastructure

India has around 50,000 troops in eastern Ladakh, which has increased its presence following an increase in Chinese military activities in 2020. Over the past four years, Indian forces have built critical infrastructure such as shelters, all-weather roads, and communication systems to support operations in harsh winter conditions.

Strategic redirection

Following the Galwan standoff in June 2020, India shifted its military focus from Pakistan to its northern border with China. 1 Strike Corps is now responsible for operations in Ladakh, and 17 Mountain Strike Corps is focused on the northeastern areas and Sikkim. The ongoing exercise will include new technologies and systems to counter Chinese advances, such as loitering munitions, drone swarms, counter-drone systems, and enhanced surveillance technologies.

Armored and artillery units

The Indian Army has deployed a large number of heavily armored units near the border. This includes the T90 and T72 main battle tanks, which are powerful vehicles designed for combat. They also have K9 Vajra self-propelled guns, which are mobile and can fire at long distances, and various missile systems.

A major missile system they use is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. This missile is very fast and can travel at high speed, making it effective for both defence and attack. By deploying these advanced weapons and equipment, the Indian Army aims to enhance its ability to defend and attack when needed.

About the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a 3,488 km long border between India and China, which is not officially marked. It came into existence after the Sino-Indian War of 1962 and is very important to the relations between the two countries. Unlike traditional borders, the two countries have different views on where the LAC lies. Disputed areas include Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. Routine patrols often lead to clashes, such as the standoff in the Galwan Valley in 2020. The LAC reflects the complexity of geopolitics in the Himalayas and impacts regional security dynamics.

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