PM Modi pays surprise visit to Leh amid stand-off with China

Guwahati: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday landed in Leh, Ladakh, in a closely-guarded visit to the site that has been at the centre of the Indian Army's standoff with China's People's Liberation Army troops since early May. Mr Modi is being accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief Gen MM Naravane.

Earlier, top Government officials had disclosed that CDS Rawat would visit Ladakh for the purpose of reviewing the tri-services' preparation at the border area and the de-escalation and disengagement process with the Chinese troopers at the 4 points of concern. However, PM Modi too has accompanied Rawat in what is being seen as a "surprise visit" to the troubled area.

PM Modi's visit to Leh is expected to provide a boost in morale to the troops engaged in the stand-off with China in the contested areas of Ladakh's Galwan valley and around Pangong lake.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has called for dis-engagement from the border, but the PLA troop withdrawal from Galwan, Gogra, Hot Springs and Pangong Tso is expected to take a lot of time, as well as "serious persuasion."

Indian Military sources said that the PLA has continued to mark its territory in the stand-off areas by deploying troops on the ground. However, they have thinned the presence in the rear by withdrawing a few men and vehicles. The Chinese side has amassed forces at the Galwan valley, the site of the violent face-off in which several Indian jawans were killed, and the Pangong Tso. Additionally, the Chinese army has been carrying out infrastructural upgrade in these areas in a bid to consolidate.

In response, the Indian Army and Air Force have deployed teams in these areas to prevent "aggression" from the Chinese side. Senior military officials have confirmed to media that the Indian troopers does not have intentions of initiating a skirmish, but is ready to retaliate if there is aggression from China.

Meanwhile, the Chinese are facing a challenge not from India, but from the weather, as high-velocity winds will be sweeping the region. The PLA Air Force is certain to face difficulty in operating from Tibetan Plateau.

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