EXCLUSIVE: We had taken on China By R. Prasannan, Chief of Bureau, THE WEEK SALUTE THE

JANUARY 2021 JANUARY SOLD ER

CHINA CAN WE TAKE ON? editorial Learning from the Galwan Valley incident

here are some lessons of history that we forget at our own peril. One of them is the famous saying attributed to the US Tpolitician William Clay: “There are no permanent enemies, and no permanent friends, only permanent interests.” In other words, to establish foreign relations or politics on the basis of emotional or personal factors is the height of foolishness. Yet, this is exactly what India’s recent China policy appeared to do. Afters years of rivalry, a few years ago China suddenly was accorded the status of India’s friend. China’s president Xi Jinping was seen being hugged by our Prime Minister and was invited to India as a special guest to flag waving Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met 18 times between 2014 and 2019. India also supported China at various international for a and voted for its favour. In April 2020, India and China celebrated 70 years of diplomatic ties - India being the first non-socialist country to have recognised China in 1950. President Xi Jinping issued a statement claiming the two countries have established a strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity, and are endeavouring to build an even closer partnership of development. India’s President Kovind declared the two sides have made considerable progress, especially in the last few years, in enhancing their bilateral engagement in a number of areas, including political, economic and people-to-people ties.The Chinese leadership had supposedly been turned around and now viewed India favourably. Then came the bad news about the sudden Chinese military incursions in eastern Ladakh. From the first week of May 2020, Chinese and Indian troops clashed at many locations along the Line of Actual Control (the de facto border between India and China in Ladakh), including near the Pangong Lake. On the night of 15 June, a group of India soldiers led by their commanding officers approached a group of Chinese troops who were building permanent structures on the Indian side of the LAC and asked them to desist. In response, the Chinese troops attacked the Indians with roods and sharp instruments, killing twenty of them including their commanding officer. The enraged Indian troops retaliated and subsequently killed over 35 Chinese troops and injured many more. This was all out war. And the only force that prevented a humiliating defeat for India were a handful of unarmed Indian Army soldiers. Overnight China became an enemy. All this while it was supposedly a dear friend. What is worse, this erroneous perception was responsible for complete lack of political action on shoring up our military preparedness against China. The friendly view of China at the highest levels of our government had completely clouded our judgement. We failed to anticipate China’s rising belligerence. While we were shaking hands, China was baring its fists at every neighbour, including Japan and the countries of southeast Asia. China had decided to unilaterally change the status quo wherever it could in Asia with the view of sending the message that no one ought to challenge its pre0-eminence. Even Japan was cowed down by China’s claims and aggressive military posture near the disputed Senkakus islands in the eastern South China sea. Repeated incursions by China’s coat guard vessels and military aircraft have thrown off Japan’s defence forces. The idea is to browbeat every Asian nation to accept Chinese hegemony and never challenge its expansionism in the future. It was the same message for India. No amount of hugging and state visits could alter the course of China’s geo-strategic outlook. The Chinese leadership have always been clear about their long term aims and interests. It is time, we too recognise our long-term interests and develop the means to secure those interests.

Indranil Banerjee 1 January 2021

JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 1 contents

We had taken on China 04 In 1962, when we fought the war with the Chinese, it was a fight between peers. eW lost territory because we were taken by surprise - we were not prepared.

Salute The Soldier 08 ‘Salute The Soldier’ is the vision of a decorated former Army officer, who has been trying to raise awareness about the armed forces and their contribution to society. Ever since Army Day 15 January 2011, this officer has been releasing a publication to celebrate the armed forces.

Army Day 2021 12 ‘We Honour The Indian Soldier By Recalling His Achievement On Army Day.’

The Battle of Rezang La Veteran’s War Account 1962 16

China: A Swot Analysis 18 Recently, there has been disturbing escalation in China’s aggressive behaviour towards India and others. China’s relations with the United States is at a new low.

Managing An Can we take on Regd Office: SALUTE THE Expansionist Power 21 China? 36 SOLDIER, T-10, Usha Chambers, In the past, China has largely agreed that the Galwan valley from LAC towards India belongs to India. Central Market, Ashok Vihar, But now China is claiming that Galwan valley belongs to her due to its renewed strategic importance. Delhi-110052 Countering China: A The Journal of P: 011-27417230 / 011-47025690 Glawan valley is formed by 80 km long Galwan river, which originates in Aksai China on China side and NCR Office:1073, Sector-15, crosses the LAC and joins Shyok river. The point where it crosses LAC is known as Patrolling Point 14. Salute To The Indian “Disabilities & Part-II, Gurgaon, Haryana-122001. It is here that China has made military build up to claim Galwan valley. Recently India has built a road Armed Forces 24 Impairments” 42 P: 0124-4209510 from Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO Road) which runs from Eastern Ladakh to western M: +91 81307 61968 Ladakh till the Daulat Beg Oldie, where India has also developed an Air strip. This 323 km road runs Published by: AKSHAT parallel to LAC along the Shyok river. India can reach to the LAC at any point through this road with The Chinese knot! Behind The Headlines PUBLICATION For Salute The Soldier short notice and utilize the air strip at Daulat Beg Oldie for quick military supply. China is worried about A reality check Restoring The Dignity 43 Email: [email protected]; the strategic utility of this road and wants to control the movement at the road as and when required. required, now! 30 [email protected]

2 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 3 in the last round, let us not deceive China. Indeed, we have had, and the ourselves thinking that the next Chinese remember it more than we round too will result in guaranteed do. Just as we are yet to recover from triumph. We ought to view these the nightmare of 1962, the Chinese experiences more holistically, and in Tibet are yet to recover from the across a longer and larger timespan. shock and trauma of the 1904 Young This leads to an imminent husband expedition from India and question as to whether we have ever of the 1914-16 invasion which led had a triumph or victory or success to the drawing of the McMahon or at least an upper hand in a military line. As the Chinese look at it, an confrontation with the state of army of just 3000 simply walked

There is a perception“ that India had been neglecting its China border, especially in terms of building military WeWe hadhad takentaken onon ChinaChina infrastructure there.

In 1962, when we fought the war with the Chinese, it was a fight between peers. We lost territory because we were taken by surprise - we were not prepared. to the contrary assumption. Since Indian Army Guns at Ladak our last military confrontation with ” by R. Prasannan, Chief of Bureau, THE WEEK China had ended in a bad drubbing for us, we assume that the next one too, if at all and when it happens, The Doklam stand-off three years The problem, however, of being (in 1947) and were confronted by may not be a very happy one for ago and the current stand-off in guided by historical experiences superior military ware (1965), and us. This has led to a sort of China Ladakh have brought back memories is that we often choose the most barely managed to stop the enemy Syndrome in the Indian strategic - or shall we say nightmares? - of recent experience to guide us in our on his tracks. We tend to be guided mindset, whereby we assume that the 1962 debacle in the minds of current contexts, and ignore the by the 1971 or the 1999 Kargil China is an adversary to be dreaded. several people, including even some earlier ones. The memory of the experience when we triumphed There is an element of falsity of our strategic thinkers. This is last war dominates our thoughts to over the enemy. This has led to involved in these assumptions. not an uncommon phenomenon, such an extent that it overshadows assumptions - probably very right too Just because we have had a bitter considering that nation-states are or even erases the memory of earlier - that in the next confrontation too, experience with an adversary in guided by their historical experiences, wars. This works both positively and we ought to triumph. the last confrontation, there is no and the last military experience that negatively. In the case of Pakistan, we However, in the case of China, certitude of another bitter experience we have had with China was not a often forget the 1947-48 or the 1965 this phenomenon - of being guided in the next round. And just because happy one for us. experience when we were surprised by the most recent experience - leads we had triumphed over an adversary

4 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 5 across the Himalayas and overran the entire territory upto Lhasa. The fact Military convoy on newly constructed Shyok River is that the Chinese strategic thinking on India is still conditioned and influenced by the experience they had at the turn of the last century. An attacker on the mountains need In 1962, when we fought the “ war with the Chinese, it was a fight eight times more strength than the between peers. We lost territory defender. If that is so, PLA would need because we were taken by surprise - we were not prepared. Otherwise 20 divisions to launch a credible attack there was some kind of a military parity between the two, and there are on the Indian positions. many who believe - that includes me - that the outcome of the war would have been different if we had used our superior air power. Anyway, that is not the case today. China has been growing at least three months. Even to travel wings of Sukhois close to the borders, and modernising on three fronts - by that much-dreaded train. plus deep-strike Jaguars in Gorakhpur economically, technologically and A word about this railway line.” I and Kalaikunda. They can bomb out militarily. We are also growing - but saw it during my recent trip to Tibet, it the line till kingdom come. our growth is at a fast pace only Krishna Rao launched Operation byways were built and upgraded. for them. Now the situation in the and I concede, it is a marvellous But we have vulnerabilities - on economically and technologically. Falcon with the concurrence of Prime They converted their 149 division eastern sector of the northern border, engineering feat. But I think, its the western sector of the northern China’s strategic profile is today that Minister Indira Gandhi. And it was into a rapid action division and I am told, is quite comfortable. An strategic value is zero. Most of it borders. That is where the Chinese are of a world power, which has the the intensity and extent of that build- moved a brigade or two into Tibet. attacker on the mountains need runs through open, treeless, plateau trying to pinprick us now. Here too capability to extend its strategic will up that culminated in the Sumdorong Today, we believe that the PLA can eight times more strength than the country, and a good part of the we are making the necessary logistic over large parts of at least the eastern Chu incident during Rajiv Gandhi move one full mechanised infantry defender. If that is so, PLA would mountain stretch is built on perma- investments of roads, bridges and hemisphere, whereas we are still only regime. But since we stood firm division into Tibet in 48 hours in an need 20 divisions to launch a credible frost. Forget the Sukhois and the what not that can take even battle a much challenged regional power. then, the Chinese backed off from a emergency. There are also reports that attack on the Indian positions. How BrahMoses, a strike using our aged tanks. So the strategic parity that used to be confrontation, and even invited Rajiv it can move about 10 divisions in one would they do it? It will need at least MiG-27 can take it out. And one can In short, we are building towards there between India and China no Gandhi to that famous meeting with month. two campaign seasons to bring about only imagine how long they will take tactical parity again in every sector, longer exists. Deng Hsiaoping. But we have also been building that many troops into Tibet. And to rebuild one bridge bombed out by and that is what seems to have But that is not a reason for There wasn’t much of activity on up. We have moved deep-strike they all need to be acclimatised over us. Let us not forget, we have three provoked China. worry, though we ought to be the northern borders throughout the Sukhoi-30 squadrons to Bareilly, concerned. This disparity in strategic rest of the 90s and early 2000s, when Tezpur and Chhabua, stationed An Apache Attack IAF Helicopter During Night Operation in Ladak profile is not actually a reflection we were fully engaged on the western BrahMos regiments closer to border, of the tactical military situation border. There was the Kargil war, upgraded the roads and built advance obtained on the border between India the military mobilisation following landing grounds, raised two new and China. There is a perception the attack on Indian parliament, the divisions. We were even raising that India had been neglecting its post 9/11 developments, and so on. a mountain strike corps which, China border, especially in terms We were fully engaged in the western however, is said to have been put on of building military infrastructure theatre. the backburner. there. I would disagree. We had China used this opportunity In short, in case the Chinese been thinking of building up, and of the respite to build their own attempt any kind of adventurism actually building up, the border infrastructure. Work on the rail line on the Arunachal-Sikkim sector, we infrastructure, ever since General to Tibet was initiated; highways and would have enough forces waiting

6 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 7 ‘Salute The Soldier’ from pre independence times to the is the vision of a post-Independence years, is replete with instances of the Indian soldier’s decorated former conspicuous bravery and acts of Army officer, who has valour. They have fought in East been trying to raise Africa, in North Africa and southeast awareness about the Asia where they took on two of the finest armies of the world – the armed forces and Germans and the Japanese - and their contribution to proved their worth. Indian soldiers society. Ever since won nearly 6300 awards in World WarII;the tally included 31 Victoria Army Day 15 January Crosses, which was the highest 2011, this officer military gallantry honour, seven has been releasing George Crosses, which was next in a publication to order, 252 Distinguished Service Orders, 347 Indian Orders of Merit celebrate the armed and 1311 Military Crosses. forces. The aim is to In December 1971, the Indian raise awareness of Army had overrun erstwhile East Pakistan [Bangladesh] and taken the soldier’s role in 93, 000 prisoners-of-war (POWs). warfare as well as in It was one of the swiftest military peace time. campaigns in military history which resulted in the creation of new sovereign republic after a lightning 13-day campaign. This was the The unmatched bravery of famous 1971 Indo-Pak War. The Indian soldiers at Galwan Valley in Indian Army’s finest hour was when eastern Ladakh on the night of 15 the “Instrument of Surrender” of June 2020 was the stuff of legends. Salute The Pakistan’s Eastern Command was The clash, which was fought without signed by Lieutenant General Jagjit any firearms because of an India- Singh Aurora, GOC-in-C of the China 1996 agreement baring Indian Eastern Command, and guns & explosives from the area, Lieutenant General A.A.K.Niazi, was a sobering lesson for China. Soldier Commander of the Pakistan Eastern Skirmishing at an altitude of over Command, at Ramna Race Course 14,000 feet in sub-zero temperatures, in Dacca at 16:31 Hrs-IST on 16 Indian soldiers proved their mettle gallant soldiers. Demonstrating of our talented Indian soldier, drawn cannot win or live to see another and extended code of conduct; and December 1971. For the Indian and surprised the enemy intruders. exemplary values - unmindful of mostly from the country’s rural areas, day. From this is born an intense it subconsciously imposes a moral subcontinent, the Indo-Pak War was a The world stood up and took note any divisions of caste, creed or and selfless young officers is a sense motivation that guides our young responsibility. A soldier believes in historic milestone. This event forever of the incident and the astonishing religion -they unhesitatingly entered of camaraderie and commitment to military leaders,who are taught to a higher cause, a belief that makes a changed the geopolitics of South Asia. commitment of the Indian soldier. the fray to safeguard the country’s the country. These feeling forge the lead from the front. The Indian Army man sacrifice even his life if required. Indian’s eastern flank was purged of a The fear psychosis of China sovereignty. This was the result of tenacious fighting edge of the Indian has the highest officer-man casualty He readily puts himself in harm’s way, malicious power, making it possible that had been embedded in the years of training, honing of skills and Army. ratio in the world. Military service is and is ready to risk his life for a cause, for a future “Look East” policy minds of common Indians for over strengthening of values. Among the The Indian soldier knows that clearly not a job but a calling in life; not for profit. that sought to connect the region’s three decades, was erased by our many virtues inculcated in the minds if they donot work collectively, they it comes with its own inexplicable The history of the Indian Army, fortunes to the rapidly growing

8 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 9 India-Pakistan 1971 war Tapash Chatterjee

Tapash Chatterjee is the founder of ‘Salute The Soldier’. A decorated officer of the Indian Army, he was commissioned into the Gorkha Rifles. His professional of the Internet. Never has the need career in the military was marked by the mastery of for honest,clear and committed strategic innovation aligned with grassroots tasks for work on this subject of national effective and efficient implementations of objectives. importance been greater than today. He has always striven to uphold the pristine values

Historic surrender Indo-Pak War 1971 Times have moved on and much has of the Indian Army while at the same time providing changed but soldiers remain men of succour to the common citizen. He is a strong advocate character,devoted to fulfill the pledge of social entrepreneurship and adding positive value to made to our constitution and nation. society through empowerment and development. He Thousands of them have shed their combined his vision with his man management skills to blood for the nation during our conceptualise and implement the mission ‘Ability Beyond When you go home tumultuous history and continue to “ Disability’ in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Justice Tell them of us & say do so at our borders and troubled & Empowerment, Government of India. This mission was For your tomorrow areas. Yet, they are not always remembered or accorded the respect aimed at restoring the dignity of persons with disabilities, We gave our today. they deserve. who happen to be the most neglected and marginalized Every citizen is a soldier in sections of our community, often residing in remote, his own professional sphere,be it a under-served and border areas of the country. The mission medical doctor, a public servant, found its mention in the Niti Ayog reports for outstanding chartered accountant, advocate, achievements. He is a regular contributor to the “Behind progressive nations of southeast Asia. media reporter, cable operator or The Headlines” column of the Journal of ‘Disabilities & The Kargil conflict of 1999 was Galwan Valley ” whatever. The point is that each Impairment’ established 1987. one of the hardest fought battles of citizen must learn to conduct himself modern times. Conducted under or herself as a soldier. They must incredibly difficult conditions,the adhere to the same standards of Indian Army once again proved that honesty and integrity. They must years of involvement in low intensity unhesitatingly strive to uphold the conflicts and counter insurgency higher national cause. They must operations had not blunted the share the commitment of ‘Nation fighting edge of the forces. It was First’ and emulate the values, a righteous battle won with selfless ethos,the soldier demonstrates. leadership of young officers of the ‘Salute The Soldier’ is a small Indian army with close strategic inter step in the larger, noble effort to service cooperation, professional disseminate correct, unprejudiced higher direction of war and cogent facts about the Indian Army’s past, political, strategic directions. present and future. The aim is to We are living in the era of make the public at large as well as misinformation, disinformation policy makers acknowledge the great & downright lies that dominate debt owed by the nation to the men Twitter, Facebook and the dark lanes in arms.

10 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 11 Army Day 2021

‘We Honour The Indian Soldier By Recalling His Achievement On Army Day.’

the Indian Army, was also the evident in every theatre of its quintessential soldier’s general and operations. his ability to bond with them both During the 1971 India-Pakistan during peace and war remains a War, not only did the Indian quality worthy of emulation. General Army demonstrate its war fighting Manekshaw, became the first of only capabilities but also its essentially two Indian Army Generals to be humane side. At the end of the conferred the rank of Field Marshal 13-day conflict, the Indian Army (in January 1973), the other being the was left with 93,000 Pakistani late Field marshal K M Cariappa. Prisoners-of-War (POWs) and a

It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who go into battle.

Indian Troops At Galwan

The year 2020 taught us we are demonstrates that soldiers remain life for a cause, not for profit. Salute On 15 January 1948, General The Indian Army through its new vulnerable nation. The POW’s as vulnerable as we are powerful. men of honour who are committed the Soldier, to commemorate the K.M. Cariappa became the first three fundamental principles of were treated with utmost respect and As we step into the new year 2021, to fulfil the pledge made to our sacrifices of our men at arms as we Indian commander-in-Chief of the professionalism, secularism and the bravery demonstrated by them we must resolve never to forget the Constitution and nation even at the step into thenewyear2021.The year Army. This day is now celebrated apolitical mindset is not only worthy in military action against Indian exemplary values and unmatched cost of their lives. It is the higher of loss and learning provided lessons every year as ARMY DAY. General of emulations within the country but positions were acknowledged. There bravery demonstrated by Indian cause that makes a man sacrifice his to strengthen the institution of the Sam Harmusji Framji Jamshedji also elsewhere in the subcontinent. were no atrocities or revenge killings. soldiers at “Galwan Valley” in eastern life. The soldier readily puts himself Army with its commitment to place Manekshaw, the architect of what The Indian Army’s professionalism The Indian Army accepted the Ladakh. The ongoing standoff in harm’s way and is ready to risk his the ‘Nation First’. is considered the finest hour of and inspiring leadership has been unconditional surrender honourably,

12 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 13 prevented the POWs from being slaughtered by the enraged locals, and safely transported them to POW camps in India. This epitomises the spirit of true professionalism in the Indian Army where there is no The POW’s were treated with utmost room for hatred against enemies or “ A Tribute to a Soldier ideological enmity. respect and the bravery demonstrated In the finest traditions of the by them in military action against Indian Lt Colonel Ved. Prakash. Airy, Commanding Officer 3 GRENDIERS [later become Lt Gen V.P. Airy Indian Army, outstanding bravery MVC], admired & acknowledge the raw courage shown by his adversary, Lt Colonel Mohd Akram by the adversary has always been positions were acknowledged. Raja, Commanding Officer 35 FFR, died while leading the counter attack on position captured by 3 respected and acknowledged. One GRENADIERS. A one page hand written note by Lt Colonel Airy titled ‘A TRIBUTE TO A SOLDIER’ was such incident occurred during the handed over to Pak Army along with the Officers Body. Based on this note Pakistan Government 1971 War in the Shakargarh sector honoured Lt Colonel Raza with an gallantry award Hilal-i-Jur’ at; equivalent to MVC. where one of the bloodiest battles of that war was fought. Leading the Indian battalion into the attack was fighting and held onto them despite FFR), Lt Col Mohd. Akram Raja,was Lt Col Ved Prakash Airy (who later massive counter-attacks by the enemy.” killed while leading his men. Lt Col became Lt. Gen.) of the 3 Grenadiers. In one of these counter-attacks the Airy acknowledged the conspicuous His battalion captured enemy commanding officer of the enemy’s bravery of his Pakistani counterpart positions after hard and bloody 35 Frontier Force Regiment (35 and while returning his body added a hand written note titled “A Tribute to a Soldier” where he detailed Lt Col Raja’s bravery. This led to Pakistan conferring the Hilal-I-Jur’at award (equivalent to our Mahavir Chakra) on Lt Col Raja. Individual acts of valour generally receive public acclaim but the sacrifice of the Unknown Soldier, who lays down his life ungrudgingly in some remote battlefield, often remains unacknowledged. By bringing out this commemorative pamphlet we hope to raise some awareness of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate the lives and sacrifices of our men at arms. The soldier walks calmly in the line of fire, knowing fully well that he may lose his life. He faces terrorist and unseen enemies from across the borders. He carries unlimited liability for the safety Field Marshal Manekshaw, confirming SENA MEDAL [Gallantry] to No; of citizens and the progress of the 5837748,Lance Naik Indra Bahadur Sahi of First Battalion The Nineth nation. In short,he deserves to be Gorkha Rifles [1/9GR] for his conspicuous bravery in the face of enemy at the battle of Dera Baba Nanak [DBN-Battle] of Indo-Pak War 1971. saluted and respected.

14 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 15 The Battle of Rezang La Veteran’s War Account On the Occasion of

This battle of Rezang La Major Shaitan Singh as ‘C’ company commander is listed in the series of eight leading from the front demonstrated conspicuous bravery Army Day 2021 stories of collective bravery in the face of the enemy and repeatedly repulsed Chinese published by UNESCO. attacks. He was seriously wounded by a sniping Chinese Rezang La (La means a MMG but continued to fight along with his men. The mountain pass in the Tibetan Chinese army then directed heavy machine gun fire on Salute the nation’s Paramilitary language) is a tactically his position and he was incapacitated. Unmindful of his important feature on the personal safety and sensing danger to his life, he ordered his Forces and Health Professionals Kailash Range; it is about subordinate to place him behind the cover of a boulder at the 3,000 yards long and 2,000 place of action and continued to fight. He died at that spot, yards wide at an average still gripping his weapon. The ‘C’ company lost 114 soldiers altitude of 16,000 feet with intervening heights that allow in the battle of Rezang La while 5 soldiers were seriously deep observation into Chinese Territory but at the same injured and captured by the Chinese Army as Prisoners- time restrict close artillery support to Indian positions. This of-War (POWs). Only one soldier returned to Battalion falls under the Chushul Sector of Ladakh, as designated by HQ. Maj Shaitan Singh posthumously won the Param Vir the Indian Army. Chakra [PVC] for his actions in defending Rezang La. A During the 1962 India-China War, Rezang La was war memorial built in Rewari, claims that 1,300 Chinese held by ‘C’ Company under Major Shaitan Singh of the soldiers were killed in the battle of Rezang La, which it is the 13 Kumaon Regiment. On the 18th of November 1962, only bravery story of the Indian Army listed under the title this Company fought the battle of Rezang La in subzero collective stories of bravery published by UNESCO. temperatures with scant resources and in extremely difficult Brigadier Raghunath V Jatar was born on 05th Oct circumstances. At that time, Brigadier Raghunath V Jatar 1932 in Dhulia in Maharashtra in a family having very [IC-6445H], the then ‘B’ Company Commander of 13 strong military ties. His uncle Lt Col Sir Nilkanth Jatar had Kumaon Regiment was holding Magar Hill, a prominent served with distinction in the British Indian Army in World feature on one flank of the Spanggur gap and dominating War I and in the North West Frontier province (NWFP). the Chushul airstrip. Lt Colonel H.S. Dhingra was the He was the first Indian to get DSO and Bar for bravery. Let us come together to acknowledge the myriad sacrifices made during years of unremitting services by Commanding Officer of 13 Kumaon Regiment located On 7th June 1953 Brigadier Jatar was commissioned as the personnel of the nation’s paramilitary forces including Border Security Force (BSF), Indo Tibetan Border on the high ground at the foothills of Magar Hill. The 2nd Lt in the 13 Kumaon Regiment. He commanded Force (ITBP), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Railway Protection Force Battalion was placed under HQ 114 Infantry Brigade the 13 Kumaon Regiment during the 1971 Indo-Pak war (RPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Assam Rifles and the state police forces. commanded by Brigadier T.N. Raina [who later became in Rajasthan [Longewalla Sector] which had witnessed In 2020 during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these forces as well as the country’s healthcare Chief of Indian Army staff]. the retreating Pakistani Army after its humiliating defeat. personnel, including doctors, nurses and others, went the extra mile to keep millions of Indians safe. They The Chinese Army attacked Rezang La in the early The 13 Kumaon Regiment under Lt Colonel R.V.Jatar toiled under the most trying circumstances, often at great personal risk, to fulfil their commitment to the hours of 18th Nov 1962. The first attack was ‘silent’ with successfully launched battalion level attack in broad day nation’s ill and vulnerable. Hundreds gave up their lives while providing succour to the ill and dying. We the intention to surprise ‘C’ company of 13 Kumaon light and ousted the Pakistanis from Border Pillar No- salute and honour them for their dedicated services during this extended crisis. Regiment. However, the Chinese failed in their designs and 638 in the Indo-Pak Border. The attack resulted in 51 All of them have shown exemplary commitment to their duty, laying down their lives when the attack was stalled by the brave soldiers of 13 Kumaon Pakistani soldiers killed while the remaining fled towards needed without reward or recognition. Maytheir sacrifices never go in vain. May their memory serve to Regiment. At the crack of dawn, the Chinese once again own territory. This veteran officer, while narrating the 1962 strengthen the nation and may our future generations keep the flames of honour, sacrifices and love of the attacked Rezang La; this time too, the attack was thwarted incidents, express his deep gratitude to the Indian Army for by accurate small arms fire from our positions. The Chinese the opportunity to serve the nation in all operations of war motherlandburning at all times forever. then modified their attack plan and started shelling Rezang since his commissioning in 1953 to till the day he retired La heavily while encircling the post. Finding ‘C’ company in 1984 including the liberation of Goa [1960], Mizoram JAI HIND surrounded, Major Shaitan Singh re-organised the position insurgency [1968] and actively involved in the Indo- TEAM SALUTE THE SOLDIER and re-sited the automatic weapons to take on the enemy Pak 1971 war. Thus, I have the satisfaction of serving my attack. country in various military operations.

16 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 17 power,economic power, technology analysis. China’s strength is its power, natural resources, quality of economic growth in the last twenty leadership and soft power. years after it joined the World Trade In terms of military power, we Organization for which it had to do not expect any land war between wait over fifteen years as the U.S. China and United States. It will be Senate objected initially as it found air and sea. In both areas China is China lacking in qualifications to be way behind its adversary. There is, as a member of W.T.O. Its weakness is we know, a MAD (mutually assured its autocracy that suppresses freedom destruction) between United States of thought and expression without and Russia as between them they hold which no society can progress. 90% of nuclear weapons. China will The opportunities are weak and not be able to catch up with either in muddleheaded U.S. leadership under terms of nuclear weapons. Trump, Covid-19 related economic Coming to economy, the weakness of the West and the rest GDP of United States is $21.44 of the world. This has been rectified trillion whereas China’s is $14.14 with Biden’s election. China: A Swot trillion. We need to take note of the Threats include the near population. China has a population universal disapproval of China’s of 1404.33 million as against aggressive behaviour towards India, 332.6 million in United States. In Australia and others. short, with one fourth of China’s The Indian Army has a glorious A n a lys is population, United States produces tradition. The other day the 50% more than China. BBC carried a programme : Has Recently, there has been disturbing escalation in China’s Some scholars have wrongly India’s contribution to WW2 been argued that the autocracy that China ignored?(16th June 2015) by Yasmin aggressive behaviour towards India and others. China’s practices enables it to have a higher Khan. Yasmin is right. relations with the United States is at a new low. GDP and a stronger military. We all While I was serving as by Ambassador K P Fabian, Professor, Indian Society of International Law know what Mao Zedong’s absolute Ambassador to Italy I was invited in power did to China. It created a 1998 to speak at the inauguration of massive famine with a grim toll Mahatma Gandhi Piazza in a small running into millions. Xi Jinping has town. After my speech an elderly lady In business we all do a relation with a country that chooses that it belongs to China. India does Coming to China’s aggressive amassed absolute power in his hands, came and hugged me. She started SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses- not to have such relations with us. not claim the Indian Ocean. By the behaviour at the border, we need to but it can prove injurious to China. crying. I was slightly embarrassed, but Opportunities-Threats) analysis of Recently, there has been by it was the Portuguese navigators understand why China is doing what Coming back to the SWOT did not show it. Greeted her in Italian our competitors to help us plan our disturbing escalation in China’s who set out from India to China it is doing. China realises that India strategy to win the competition. aggressive behaviour towards India starting from the 16th century who is the only power that stands and can While it is not our intention to and others. China’s relations with the coined the noun “South China Sea”. stand in the way of China’s ascent as have an adversarial relationship with United States is at a new low. There Vietnam calls it “East Sea”. The the hegemon in Asia, a necessary step China—and we have demonstrated is an across the board consensus in brazen acts of aggression by China to realise China’s ultimate ambition it beyond doubt that we want to the United States that China’s rise has united the rest of the world to co-equal and then overtake the have good neighbourly relations with has to be stopped as it is no longer a against it. United States. China and that at the same time peaceful rise. It is an aggressive rise, The European Union, the largest At this stage it is important to we expect and demand that China based on violations of International market in the world, has recognised raise the question: Will China ever complies with the agreements it has Law as in the South China Sea. the danger of permitting China to equal United States in composite signed with us—it is crystal clear that Incidentally, just because it is called buy up companies in distress. China power? The answer is clear. The GETTY IMAGES More than two million Indian soldiers participated in World War Two we cannot have a good neighbourly South China Sea, it does not follow has been found stealing technology. composite power includes military

18 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 19 and asked her whether she had visited India and seen Mahatma Gandhi. She said no. She continued, “When Managing An the war (WW2) was ending, in 1944, Indian soldiers had come to my town. I was a little girl. A tall soldier with Coming to 1962, much has changed a turban gave me chocolates. I shall “ never forget him. I wanted to hug since then. India has modernised and Expansionist Power you and tell you this.” equipped its military. What a human interest story! In Italy, I have come across similar stories of the kindness and goodness of soldiers. Let us look at what is happening at the border. I say the border and not LAC, a Chinese phrase we should stop using. The argument that the ” border is not delineated on a map acceptable to both and therefore we should adopt the LAC is wrong. Because LAC also is not drawn on a map. China treats the LAC as a movable line to suit its aggressive ambition. In Galvan our brave soldiers stood firm and China had to withdraw. We salute the bravery and patriotism of our brave heroes and shall never forget them. They shall inspire us for all time. Recently, there has been disturbing escalation in China’s The soldier is the only professional who makes the ultimate aggressive behaviour towards India and others. China’s sacrifice for the country. We the relations with the United States is at a new low. public are eternally beholden to them. India has not lost any war. supports the soldier. Sooner rather by N. V. Subramanian, Writer, Analyst and Journalist. Without them we are not safe. Coming to 1962, much has than later, China will realise the The Indian Army has a glorious changed since then. India has march of folly it has undertaken and history. Take Pakistan. It invaded modernised and equipped its military. sit down with India across the table New Delhi: There is a quotation known but not articulated with his Allies only marginally. The Germans Jammu and Kashmir shortly after There is no question about our ability and sort out matters in a civilised which is attributed to the French simplicity. Without Clemenceau’s surrendered. But the French supreme independence and the Pakistan Army to take on China if need be. While we way. But we cannot afford to bring premier, Georges Clemenceau, who leadership in the last make-or-break allied commander, Ferdinand Foch, was about to capture Srinagar when know that China knows our ability to down our level of vigilance. rallied the Allies in the last year of the phase of the conflict, it was possible had no stomach to carry the battle Indian Army stepped in and made stand up to them and therefore China Dear soldier, please remember First World War to victory against that the German war machine, into Berlin. That lack of stomach them retreat. In 1965 Pakistan started is unlikely to start a war, prudence that for the entire nation from Kaiser’s Germany. “War,” he said, although bedraggled, would prevail. provided the psychological advantage the war and was badly beaten. In requires that we should be ready and Kashmir to Kanyakumari you are our “is too serious a matter to entrust This is not the place to go into the to Hitler when he overran France and 1971 also Pakistan started the war prepared for all eventualities. hero and we stand behind you. We to military men.” Variations of that details of the last fighting which saw conquered Western Europe save the and it resulted in the dismemberment There is confrontation in are convinced that your valour and quotation often make their way into some of the bloodiest trench warfare British Isles twenty-two years later of Pakistan and the birth of Ladakh. Our hearts go to our brave diligence will send the aggressor back publication now and then. of the conflict. only to be doomed by his own lack of Bangladesh. In short, but for the soldiers facing the cold weather and to where he came from. Clemenceau was putting into But Clemenceau’s intervention strategic purpose. 1962 war with China, independent the difficult terrain. The whole nation words a truism that was always well- tilted the balance in favour of the This small portion of potted

20 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 21 history acquires relevance when affairs is also considerable. Besides, This cannot be done by the army or China? Even if I should think so, India seeks. It must absolutely be few all-weather friends. Hostile considering India-China relations. nuclear powers don’t go to war; not by diplomats. Disengagement talks I would hesitate to say so. Not clear about its priorities and shed relations leading to a no-war-no- They have been rough this year like even limited war. This is not the have to happen at the level of top being a democracy, China does prestige where it comes in the way peace situation in the entire eastern never in recent decades and the time Ussuri River of 1969 for prolonged political leaders of both countries not understand how a democracy without abasing itself. The priority and northern sectors of the frontier ahead does not appear promising. clashes to occur under the nuclear and, even then, it will take months works. It imagines every expressed for India is to lift the masses out joined with historical hostilities in the In the Galwan Valley clashes of overhang. And India faces nuclear before anything is discernible on the opinion as official policy or thinking. of poverty and escape the middle- west will put a huge military strain June, about twenty Indian soldiers weapons on two coordinated fronts ground. It has no notion of the concept of income trap. Prestige today comes on India and on the economy which and their commanding officer were which somehow escapes hawkish Countries have to realise what freedom of expression. Relations are not from having nuclear weapons needs every available resource to killed. Presumably some Chinese also calculations. While the country they lose by going to war. Such already fraught. I have no interest in (which are unusable anyhow) or large propel growth. There is no guarantee died in the fighting but that is no obviously can’t lose more territory, realisation will prevent rivalries from making them worse. Strategists know standing armies (wars are outmoded) that political-level talks will lead to consolation. disengagement is equally imperative. spinning out of control. India turned something else. Countries base their but from possessing a powerful quick disengagement but a military the corner with the 1991 economic counter strategies on capacities of economy and a vast technical and solution will only leave deep and reforms. India rose to become a lower rival countries. Intents are secondary. industrial base. What really spooks unhealable wounds behind. More middle-income country because of It can also happen that intents are Western powers and especially the than anything else, India needs peace reforms. It would have regressed to expressed not commensurate with United States about China? It is not to find its feet and grow. Too much worse without. A lot of hard work capacity, making the other side so much its hypersonic weapons, its has gone wrong. For the satisfaction is necessary to make it to a middle- take countermeasures which prove expanding inventory of warfighting of its long-term interests, India has to income country, and even more ultimately shocking and demoralising. platforms, etc, but things like the reach an honourable accommodation perseverance is required so that it I would skirt that trap altogether MIC 2025 (Made in China 2025) with China and remove the spectre of escapes the “middle-income trap”. by making the proposition that India programme. It frightens them. The a two-front war. Few countries do. and China are too important for United States is the world leader of There is a sense of disbelief In this situation, any rivalry one another and for the peace and innovation; its leadership position on the Indian side that relations with China has to be economic. It prosperity of southern Asia and that actually derives from there. It is with China have plummeted so cannot be territorial and military war is simply not an option. China China’s aim to displace America in dramatically and disastrously but even while preserving the possessions knows its priorities absolutely. Being that realm. Its ambitions and choices there were all the signs of a storm and the advantages, if any. Rivalries a Great Power, China has a certain are extraordinary. If there is anything breaking out since the Doklam of a non-economic nature are simply prestige it is keen to preserve. But India can learn from its neighbour, crisis. While indulging in a blame- unaffordable. The ends of revanchism in the immediate post-1949 phase it is to think big, shed shibboleths, game helps no one, a degree of cannot be happy. Fortunately, India’s and for several decades thereafter, it and make democratic party-political introspection is necessary. The predicament is not unique. World remained humble or at least played competition not an end in itself Galwan Valley tragedy could have history abounds with examples of the humility card. On his first visit to but an ally and servitor of nation- been averted had diplomats kept neighbours who overcame bitterness Moscow upon gaining power, Mao building. their eyes and ears open and not to forge a new future. Britain, France Zedong was slighted by Joseph Stalin This is easier said than done. bought into the propaganda. and Germany were at the centre of who did not permit the Korean War But a beginning has to be made. Threatening Pakistan on a daily some of Western Europe’s enduring to cease in his lifetime. Mao bore the Politics has to seize the high ground basis is not the same as throwing Galwan Valley troubles. They were joined towards insults till China was in a position in India-China relations leading to revanchist challenges at China – and the close of the nineteenth century to strike out. A variant of that was a negotiated disengagement and from the floor of Parliament no While both sides are that: jingoism. The Clemenceau in the league of Great Powers by the Deng Xiaoping’s rise-by-stealth policy eventually to a border settlement. The less. Expansionist powers are always locked eyeball-to-eyeball on the principle has come to bear on United States, Tsarist Russia and which had the United States eating annus horribilis of 2020 must remain difficult to deal with. Ask Russia’s undemarcated frontier, chances of political authority rather aggressively Imperial Japan. Their rivalry was so out of his hands. Xi Jinping reckons one of a kind. While China has a neighbours and especially Ukraine in active hostilities have diminished with and unwantedly. For all the talk, war great that they fought two world the time for stealth and humility are stake in good relations with India the present day or acquaint yourself the cold of winter being the greater is not an option. wars (total wars) and the Cold War over. But even he needs allies. Thus, and must ensure that it does not drift with the strains imposed on the states adversary for soldiers outdoors. The Nor should it be. I have no (in a thermonuclear environment). the deepening relations with Vladimir into the US orbit, India has an even contiguous to Nazi Germany by earlier jingoism to rout the Chinese desire to get into war-gaming. Differences persist among them but Putin’s Russia. bigger one in making the most of Hitler. Managing expansionist powers from the occupied one thousand Not just are the known unknowns war is unthinkable now. There is no escape for India the world’s number two economic is an art and science and it’s time square kilometres of territories vast; the unknown unknowns are I have often come across from the historical cycles. There are power in the north and not getting India immerses in a long and arduous claimed by India have remained just prodigious. The revolution in military the question: Can India take on no shortcuts to rise, if rise it is that trapped in geopolitical rivalries with study of it.

22 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 23 Countering China: A Salute To The Indian Armed Forces

India should have no hesitation in revoking its stance about Tibet’s status and should go even one step further and link it with China’s recognition of J&K. by Lt Gen C A Krishnan

Decades of negotiations and China rolled out the Wuhan benign Chinese rise’ and exploited Joint Working Group meetings have virus in December 2019. Even the crisisby adopting a tough stance not made any worthwhile progress now, after a year, the whole world on trade with countries like US and towards settling the long standing continues to reel under its impact Australia, attempting aggressively border dispute along the3488 Km with China being the only exception. to gob-ble up companies in the India China border. China has Detection of new mutant strains is strained global markets and blatantly shown no desire, over the past sixty only making things worse. using a “debt trap strategy” against Mobilization Indian Army years, to resolve the dispute, and At the dawn of twenty first third world countries. This hurry in fact,their multiple claim lines century, China was already well on to establish an economic monopoly including some outrageous ones track vying for the numero uno seems to have been dictated by the and perceives a desperate need to Pakistan in 2016 and the Balakot air unexpectedly, the changing trend and their inconsistent stance have position in the world order. As 2020 ruling Chinese Communist Party’s break the stranglehold in the Malacca strike by Indian Air Force in early continued and in August 2019, the actually resulted in an increase in the panned out, the situation looked (CCP) professed goal of transforming strait. The China-Pakistan Economic 2019 had demonstrated a renewed Indian Parliament, through a two number of contentious points along tailor made for China to come to China into a ‘fully developed and Corridor (CPEC) provides China Indian resolve to shift gears in thirds majority, passed a resolution the border. China uses the disputed the world’s rescue in fighting the advanced nation by 2049’and the fear a gateway into the Arabian Sea and Jammu &Kashmir, these incidents for abrogation of Article 370 and border as a convenient pressure point virus and its painful economic of “Growing old before growing rich”. Middle East, and a viable alternative were not really inconsistent with reorganization of J&K state. This against India. Border Stan-doff in disruption. But instead of availing In its relentless pursuit to to get around the Malacca strait the periodic spikes witnessed in the took China and Pakistan by surprise. Chumar in 2014, Burtse in 2015 the opportunity to earn global good become a High Income Country strangle-hold. India-Pakistan border dynamics, and These developments, combined with and Doklam in 2017 were typical will and enhance its soft power, (HIC), China feels constrained by Although Indian Army’s surgical China, therefore, had no reason to India’s renewed Border infrastructure examples of this. China shed all pretense of the‘ its inadequate access to the oceans strike across the Line of Control with be unduly disturbed by these. But, push, especially the Darbuk – Shyok

24 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 25 – Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO)road with that an earlier resolution to unify Depsang plains, Galwan Valley and professional, combat oriented Air an additional link under construction Kashmir,which had looked insipid the Finger area along the North force and a Navy, which,either alone from Nubra valley via Saser La, and meaningless when it was Bank of Pangong Tso. PLA cleverly or with allies can cause considerable suddenly altered the existing equation passed by the Indian parliament in combined these actions with disruption to Chinese Shipping, in Ladakh. Indian armed forces now 1994,suddenly shed its insipid looks aggressive overtures along their border makes the overall Indian position far and seemed within the realms of with Nepal and Bhutan also, in an stronger than something that China possibility. In the backdrop of these attempt to convey the impression of can run roughshod over. developments, China perceived a activating the entire northern border It is also a fact that while its certain degree of vulnerability to of India. On 15 June 2020, PLA economy may be on very sound its critical lines of communications troops violated all protocols and footing, the Chinese armed forces in Aksai Chin and even the CPEC. norms and attacked unsuspecting may not be so. The last successful On 15 June It had to act fast and chose the Indian Army personnel with rods and battle it fought was in 1962 where time tested salami slicing strategy sticks killing 20 Indian soldiers in An army convoy carrying military material on its way to Ladakh the PLA was actually given a walkover “ amid border tension with China, at Manali-Leh highway 2020, PLA to remove the newly manifested Galwan valley. In the Indian response, except in isolated pockets. Thereafter, vulnerability. China reportedly lost over twice the whether against the Indian Army troops violated Over the years, a number number. All these happened without they faced. makes India’s overall position in the in Nathula in 1987 or against the all protocols of border agreements such as the any exchange of fire! The entire It was under these circumstances sector far more balanced than it has Vietnamese in 1979, PLA’s record 1993 Border Peace and Tranquility country mourned and honoured that the Indian Army sprung a ever been after the 1962 war. has been poor. Another major factor and norms Agreement and the 1996 Agreement the death of India’s martyrs. In surprise on 29/30 August 2020. For What can China do now? which is generally glossed over is the on Confidence Building Measures sharp contrast, in order to claim a the first time since 1962, Indian Evicting the seasoned Indian troops fact that the Chinese armed forces and attacked have been signed between India and moral victory, PLA felt compelled troops made a total departure from from the Kailash Range may not be are in the midst of a prolonged China to deal with any incidents to hide its causality figures and deny their established pattern of response an option. The rugged,treacherous, transformation mode, transforming unsuspecting that may take place along the Line its fallen soldiers the honour and to Chinese incursions and carried high altitude mountainous terrain from a force structured, equipped, of Actual Control (LAC). Although recognition they deserved. Although out a counter move and occupied imposes severe restrictions on manned and trained to guard its Indian Army border incidents involving hand to the Corps commander level talks the Kailash mountain Range, South employment of equipment and borders to becoming a professional personnel with hand scuffles to physically block the which followed prevented any further of Pangong Tso. It was a perfectly use of high tech gadgets and war global military super power with other side’s patrols from moving flare up, China refused to pull troops legitimate action as the features they fighting equipment. The single focus on the oceans, space, cyber, rods and sticks beyond agreed limits was not an behind mutually agreed limits and occupied are well on the Indian side biggest asset under such conditions power projection and acquiring out uncommon occurrence, protocols restore status quo ante. Instead, it of the LAC. In its sheer audacity is human resource, the high altitude of area and expeditionary capabilities. killing 20 Indian laid down in the agreements unleashed its propaganda machinery and far reaching implications, this oriented, acclimatized, seasoned, A great deal of PLA’s human expertise successfully prevented these incidents claiming that Indian troops had perfectly legitimate action took the experienced and motivated soldier. and experience in the mountains has soldiers in Galwan from flaring up into use of fire triggered the turmoil and China had Chinese and many critics of the Army This is the asset that India cashed been traded for acquiring a different arms or attempts to cause any injury only acted in defence and taught even within India,by total surprise. on to successfully counter the PLA. set of skills while embarking on this valley. during such ‘scuffles’. It is, however, India a proper lesson in the bargain. It had made the Chinese incursions Rotation system of the Indian Army journey of becoming a global super important to note that almost In the garb of free press, surprisingly, along the North bank of Pangong Tso ensures that at any point in time, power, and at the moment, the PLA always, such incidents were triggered handful of Indian media houses and irrelevant and unviable while giving at least one third of all soldiers and looks unsure of its capability to by seemingly deliberate actions by even some of the self proclaimed Indian troops domination over the officers of every combat unit of the execute a classical offensive operations Chinese PLA and every time it was Indian strategists also subscribed to Maldo area, Spangur Gap, Pangong army are high altitude trained and against any well en-trenched Indian troops that walked the extra this Chinese propaganda. Through Tso and also created certain degree possess a high degree of high altitude adversary in the mountains. It is also mile to prevent any major flare up. this widespread false propaganda, of vulnerability for the Xinjiang experience and expertise. High a long way short of acquiring the had access to ”Highway 219 across This had become an established Indian army, Indian government and highway. Altogether, in many ways, altitude expertise does not come with status of a global super power with the LAC as well as to Aksai Chin and pattern. the country as a whole was being it turned the tables on the Chinese training alone as it requires prolonged glaring voids in requisite leadership, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Summer of 2020 saw the projected in poor light. For the Army, and for once India retained the stay and exposure to the extreme experience, credible allies, and proven Region. Equally significant is the Chinese repeatedly indulging in the false propaganda of ‘China having initiative in the sector. Although PLA weather and terrain conditions. ability for coordinated action by fact that Gilgit-Baltistan,through incursions and retaining troop taught India a lesson so easily’ by continues to be in an advantageous India can rightfully boast of the best globally dispersed forces. Further, which CPEC runs,lies just to the presence beyond mutually agreed some people within the country was position in the Depsang plains to the mountain troops in the world. This some critics of PLA even say that for West of DBO. It is also significant limits in Ladakh, especially in far more hurting than the hazards North, control over Kailash Range capability, combined with a highly far too long the Chinese have focused

26 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 27 so much on ‘winning wars without world community to fight for their the Uigurs of Xinjiang. Arsenal the capability India needs to focus fighting’, that they have forgotten the legitimate rights. Also, as the level promptly dropped him from the club on. With a long term adversary like art of ‘winning wars with fighting’. of prosperity increases in China, at the behest of China!!The latest China and the perpetual irritant So, it is logical to conclude that the its autocratic governance system is target of the all powerful Chinese Pakistan, we do not have the luxury PLA, at present and for a few years bound to prove inadequate to meet Communist party is Jack Ma, the of delaying or diluting our defence down the line, would try to avoid It is also obvious that China finds the ever increasing aspirations and celebrity new generation business preparedness. It is also relevant to any major armed conflict in the “ demands of its huge population and tycoon of China. China also feels note that in the India-China scenario, mountains and is not likely to go democratic countries like India a fertile related security challenges. Social easily threatened by religious faiths the terrain dictates that conventional beyond uncontested actions such as ground to unleash its ‘Three Warfares’ media focus and propaganda efforts and religious institutions. China’s means of armed conflict will continue grabbing unheld areas, posturing etc to exploit such opportunities must fierce determination to appoint to retain its relevance, with the and may be in extreme need,resort strategy encompassing psychological, become an on-going process. We a person of its choice as the next newer, emerging dimensions of to stand off strikes. The Indian must explore and create options for Dalai Lama is a reflection of this modern war fare becoming ‘add- armed forces and the Indian Army in legal and media war fares. ourselves. For a start, as China does fear. China also destroys churches ons’ to conventional capability. particular, have caused the Chinese a not accept the existing borders of and is the only exception where Therefore,modern conventional dilemma for the time being. Through Tibet and considers Arunachal as the Pope cannot appoint Bishops; military capability suited for the sheer professionalism and dedication, South Tibet, India should have no the Communist Party of China terrain will remain imperative for our soldiers and their commanders hesitation in revoking its stance about appoints its own Bishops. In May India. We also need to shift our main have effectively put a stop to the Ti-bet’s status and should go even one 2020 China even went to the extent defence focus from the Western to PLA’s practice of unfettered rogue neighboring countries. Authoritarian China has serious step further and link it with China’s of removing Crosses from Churches the Northern borders. India needs intrusions, imposed caution on PLA China’s strategy and approach ”fragilities too which it is extremely recognition of J&K. in the country. Dragon has a weak credible tri services conventional and secured much needed time for against its adversaries is always multi sensitive to and fiercely hides. For The ease with which China underbelly which must be thoroughly capability combined with strong the country to fill our capability dimensional and never restricted to far too long, purely for deriving can be made to feel threatened and exposed and exploited. political resolve to deter China. The voids and be totally prepared. Indian Military or economic dimensions economic benefits through trade the limit to which it can go to stifle In the eventuality of an India- Indian navy and Air Force will be soldiers have once again stood tall alone. This facet of the Chinese relations, the World closed its eyes even random, feeble individual China war, the question will not be called upon to play crucial roles in against all odds and done the country strategy is brought out clearly in the to the harsh, ruthless, undemocratic criticism is exemplified in what it who wins, but whether India can any future India China conflict. proud. 2019 Annual Report of Department systems within China. This had given did to the Arsenal Soccer player impose a cost on China higher than The time has also come for forming We must continue negotiations of Defence to the US Congress titled, China a great deal of comfort and a Ozil, a German Muslim of Turkish what it would be prepared to pay appropriate military alliances. with China in real earnest without ‘Military and Security Developments moratorium from any interference origin who voiced concerns about for a perceived victory and that is Rejuvenation of QUAD is a right step throwing away the strategic advantage Involving the People’s Republic of or even criticism from the world in this direction. that our troops have achieved China’. The report states “China community about its savage, The game has only begun. We through a magnificent tactical action, harnesses academia and educational autocratic systems, while at the same must learn our lessons fast. The displaying thorough professionalism institutions, think tanks, and state time en-joying a free hand to interfere respite our soldiers secured for the and herculean effort which called run media to advance China’s security in the internal affairs of other country against all odds, may, at best for extreme human endurance, interests. China’s foreign influence countries. This must stop. India must remain valid for a short term. The dedication and sacrifice to occupy activities are predominantly focused join hands with other nations and dragon may even look for desperate the treacherous Kailash Ranges and on establishing and maintaining exploit every fissure in the Chinese face saving actions as early as next remain deployed there during winters. power brokers within a foreign system, however small it may be, to summer. There is no option for India We must remember that, with government to promote policies make China feel the pain and look but to remain ever vigilant to-counter China, talks will only lead to more that China believes will facilitate inward. China fears pro democratic China. There should also be no doubt talks; they always make it appear as China’s rise, despite its stated position ideas more than it fears any adversary. about the need to ensure adequate if resolution of the problem is within of not interfering in the internal The time is ripe and opportunity defence preparedness at all times and easy reach, while deliberately keeping affairs of foreign countries”. It is also begs for actions like supporting providing necessary wherewithal to the resolution elusive. China will obvious that China finds democratic democratic ideas in Xinjiang, Tibet, our armed forces on priority. Above also continue to woo our neighbours countries like India a fertile ground to Hong Kong and Inner Mongolia. all, the nation must recognize the and foster very close ties with them unleash its ‘Three Warfares’ strategy People of Gilgit-Baltistan,on whom herculean efforts and dedication of and also spare no efforts to nurture encompassing psychological, legal and the CPEC has been thrust upon, the Indian Armed Forces and salute strong anti India segments in India’s media war fares. must get support from India and the the Indian soldier.

28 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 29 which this brief paper is based. They are: Argument 1 To Beijing, it must appear that India presents the frame of being hostage to the very region it is located Trying to pinpoint the China- in with little room to manoeuvre. “ Argument 2 India rivalry in South Asia from a China’s visible outflanking of critical perspective,this brief article India in South Asia has a strong geographical element to it, analogous elaborates the shaping and emerging to two latitudinal lines, with one being continental and the other, of this rivalry. maritime. Argument 3 Beijing’s imprimatur in South Asia reflects its growing interest in the region as a commercial highway The Chinese Knot! and potential resource base that will China-India relations, international security issues are glaring. Existing benefit China’s “Go West” strategy. relations and security studies is a multilateral initiatives or structures Argument 4 ” realm where, South Asia is perhaps like the South Asian Association for Lack of foreign policy debates the most complex geographical and Regional Cooperation (SAARC) are A reality check in domestic politics of India has not geopolitical entity after the Middle convenient ‘talking shops’ for certain gone unnoticed by China, finding an East. In contemporary security, no spectrums of governments in the opening, to encroach and quarantine other region, encompasses such a region. Anodyne annual statements India. multiplicity of extant issues reflecting are released annually with only one required, now! Argument 5 almost every conceivable security aspect of agreement – where to hold The bureaucratic institutional conundrum, and worryingly, remains next year’s summit! In the early years The lack of viable security frameworks knitting the region chasms in India are circumscribing as neglected from academic scrutiny after independence, an attempt was any vision or plan advancing India’s and theoretical interrogation. made by Sri Lanka. The Colombo – in structural and discursive terms - and the absence of strategic objectives. What are these extant issues? Plan1 in its early years and later, any multilateral initiatives within the region to address Nuclear non-proliferation, terrorism, never strived to stich a security common economic and security issues are glaring. Stasis in strategic terms civil war(s), nationalism, ethnic framework for the region – a lacunae This article argues that a strategic separatism, religious fundamentalism, most glaring today. by Raviprasad Narayanan* conundrum prevails in South Asia, sectarianism, shoddy governance, with India ‘remaining’ the central stunted polities, impact of climate The interloper - China Introduction from the United States and its allies. political landscape of the region. The pillar and regional superpower – change, absence of health security etc. China’s entry into South Asia China has imprinted itself in All the above has allowed China rivalry between China and India - owing more to geography - while all make South Asia a fertile petri- as a potential strategic arbiter poses the minds of most people for reasons to take advantage of India’s rather, intermittent earlier, evolving into China is making strenuous efforts to dish where new problems emerge the inevitable question - whether the very atypical – source of Covid-19, lackadaisical approach to security in a constant now - in South Asia is a off-balance India and emerge as the even before existing ones entirely flippant approach to international the region where it is geographically powerful realization for India, which new strategic and economic fulcrum reveal themselves. 1The Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic and based. has traditionally not asserted itself of the region. Trying to pinpoint the The lack of viable security Social Development in Asia and the Pacific was norms, assiduous violator of conceived at the Commonwealth Conference on copyrights, aggressive intent in South Asia has for long been a diplomatically, being apprehensive China-India rivalry in South Asia frameworks knitting the region – in Foreign Affairs held in Colombo, Sri Lanka (formerly peripheral realm in geopolitics. This of marginalization in its own from a critical perspective,this brief structural and discursive terms - Ceylon) in January 1950, and was launched on 1 projecting new found status as July 1951 as a cooperative venture for the economic world’s second largest economy, and, realm is now a vast theatre where rahu geographical realm by an external article elaborates the shaping and and the absence of any multilateral and social advancement of the peoples of South and emerging of this rivalry. For scholars initiatives within the region to Southeast Asia.See, The Colombo Plan, See http:// untrammeled expansion in defence (China) and ketu (India) are jostling actor and determinant,China. www.colombo-plan.org/index.php/about-cps/history/ spending leading to inchoate response to alter the strategic-economic and There are five arguments around working on South Asian security and address common economic and Accessed and retrieved on 3 December 2020.

30 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 31 region can accommodate another limited time frame, that comes China Bay! Colombo is wary for two approach attempts to synthesize the and the gradual strategic/geopolitical contemporary developments at the ‘actor’ or opportunistically engage at the expense of India, which is primary reasons of permitting Indian empirical and the conceptual. Since reverse India faces in the region is an strategic realm. Is it in our ‘interests’ the new ‘actor’ to settle existing becoming marginalised. Why New ‘investments’ in Trincomalee. First, the inherent complexities woven existential reality we cannot remain to watch the ‘control variable’ evolve differences within the region and Delhi did not accept Colombo’s offer the spectacle of Sri Lanka becoming into any analysis on the intricacies sanguine about. Staying the course into becoming the ‘determinant’? No. relegate the hitherto centripetal force of Hambantota is not mysterious a pawn in China-India strategic and incidents in the region have a of undertaking a critical academic In other words, the “framing of the region – India – to a lesser at all! Hambantota would also games, and, second, to prevent Tamil multi-textured and multi-layered evaluation of the topic, this paper effects” focus “attention on perch? Whatever the outcome of provide China for ninety-nine years, population in northern Sri Lanka perspective to it,this opinion makes aims to stimulate a debate on China specific dimensions (explanations) China’s increasing stakes in South according to contract signed, eyes reviving its claims of ‘autonomy’ over an effort, not to restrict itself to in South Asia by subscribing to for understanding issues”4 and Asia, the geo-politics and geo- and ears to monitor mercantile a terrain where majority Sinhala’s are current discourses, but rather seeks critical discourse analysis.2 connections between issues begin economics of this volatile region shipping lanes as also the Diego a minority with Tamil speakers and to highlight the inconsistencies that The criticality in this opinion to influence discourse. It is here are undergoing tectonic change, the Garcia atoll, part of British Indian Muslims the majority. For New Delhi make New Delhi’s foreign policy owes to Critical Theorists. Some of that ‘norm entrepreneurs’ are able contours of which appear hazy and Ocean territory. The Diego Garcia it reflects a shoddy policy making lack gravitas. It seeks also toe explain the most prominent figures of the to ‘frame’ normative ideas that worryingly, inchoate as of now. atoll hosts United States, British, establishment where foreign policy how policy has become hostage first generation of Critical Theorists resonate with audiences, with A realist argument to be made French and Australian troops and mandarins and babus of New Delhi to the democratic shifts taking were, Max Horkheimer (1895-1973), ‘framing’ being an intrinsic part of is the growing importance of China naval facilities since the Cold War ignored China’s plans to dominate place within the country. China’s Theodor Adorno (1903-1969), successful persuasion.5 A ‘frame’ to the region accompanied by a years. That, we did not want to the Indian Ocean. China and foreign expanding influence in South Asia Herbert Marcuse (1898-1979), captures the particularities of a commensurate decline of India’s recognize reality, reveals a strange policy making on this country reveal Walter Benjamin (1892-1940), development at a moment amplifying relative significance within the region. sense of strategic stupor. Realizing a 1962 phobia in New Delhi, which Friedrich Pollock (1894-1970), Leo the characteristics embedded within. An introspective approach, makes China’s success, India has tried hard is apparent to Beijing but smoke- Lowenthal (1900-1993), and Eric The strategic processes of action and it imperative, to situate ‘locales’ (it seems!) to secure privileges China screened by policy makers here. Fromm (1900-1980). Since the structural reflexes to consequent and explain hypotheses motivating has secured, for Hambantota by The critical stance running 1970s, the second generation has developments enhance the ‘framing’ this opinion. A visible China in Sri wanting to initiate a dialogue with Sri through this opinion, hinges upon been led by Jürgen Habermas who of the issue providing a layered Lanka,witnesses Beijing’s influence Lanka regarding Trincomalee port, the links that emerge from a reading Tamil population has greatly contributed to fostering narrative – an approach that best increasing comprehensively in a located on the interestingly named of contemporary literature. This “ the dialogue between the so called captures the inter-linkages of security in northern Sri “continental” and “analytical” issues in South Asia. traditions. Chinese Built-up at LAC Lanka reviving I introduce ‘consistent criticality’ ‘Framing’ a geopolitical transition its claims of as an inescapable part of international Ilay out the proposition, that relations (IR)and Area Studies, were the China-India bilateral to ‘autonomy’ with the “complex, dynamic and be seen as a frame accommodating constantly changing” environment varying scenarios, it is palpable that over a terrain making IR a critical arena for interpretive analyses.3 Intrinsic to where majority 2Critical Discourse Analysis in the words of Jürgen the running theme of criticality in Habermas describes critical discourse theory as the paper is the adoption of ‘frame’ characterized by three types of validity-claims Sinhala’s are a raised by communicative acts: it is only when the as a conceptual structure to facilitate conditions of truth, rightness and sincerity are the perceptions and analyses of a raised by speech-acts that social coordination is minority with obtained. The attraction for Critical theory increases particular issue. as contemporary international politics anchored in statist forms does not accurately capture the diverse Tamil speakers Since South Asia is to be seen as social forces and political challenges confronting a ‘frame’, the geographical axis and human polity. and Muslims the 3Steven R. Mann “The Reaction to Chaos,” Ch.6 dependent variable is India. Yet, if the in Complexity, Global Politics, and National region were to be seen in an expanded Security edited by David. S. Alberts and Thomas. J. majority. Czerwinski (Washington, D.C.: National Defense context - geographically – the ‘frame’ University, 1997), p.62. alters to become a ‘meta frame’ and 4Alex Mintz and Steven B. Redd, “Framing Effects in International Relations” Synthese, Vol.135, Issue 2, accommodates a newer reality in May 2003, p.193. 5 the form of China as an extraneous/ Rodger A. Payne, “Persuasion, Frames and Norm Construction,” European Journal of International control variable taking into account Relations, Vol.7, No.1, p.39.

32 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 ” JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 33 Silk Road Initiative (MSRI). The New Delhi - Bejing Strained Ties Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is another of China’s multilateral inducements, cocking a snook at western multilateral financial Since South Asia is to be seen as a and strategic cooperation initiatives of “ long standing. ‘frame’, the geographical axis and dependent variable is India. Conclusion With the strategic considerations described above playing an influential role in China-India relations, India needs to adhere itself to several fundamental shibboleths. First, make Galwan transgressions by China in a of the Sea (UNCLOS). With time foreign policy-strategic planning calculated manner. Ambush on our and concerted strategies, China can a larger frame where participants soldiers was pre-planned, making ”be restrained, but not constrained, are from all spectrums of the vast our retribution on the Chinese as its parallel architecture exists on population, and not just file pushers something unexpected to Beijing. many fronts – financial, with the and seminar veterans based in the The Quadrilateral, mentioned New Development Bank(NDB) capital. Second, since multilateral before, is largely a maritime riposte and Asia Infrastructure Investment institutions like SAARC are defunct, to China’s naval expansion and Bank (AIIB); strategic economic with lay weightage to bilateral over the repeated violations of the United the Belt Road Initiative (BRI); and multilateral. Third, permit decision in the early part of their relationship, World War II setting.7 not (italics mine) going to be a Nations Convention for the Law maritime strategic with the Maritime making to be dynamic with internal their respective foreign policies had Undoubtedly, for any well- smooth affair with the Indian navy reciprocity where national interests overt characterizations shaded with an informed strategic analyst in rapidly taking counter measures to are paramount over institutional self- ideological lens. Beijing, India looms large in South ensure that Beijing does not succeed IAF Jaguar at Ladak delusion, turf battles and personality- For India, freed from the yoke Asia dwarfing the region by its to marginalize New Delhi in its based decisions. The more or less of colonialism, the world order sheer geographical size, centrality maritime domain. Apart from its defunct Non-Aligned Movement presented a challenge – existential, in historical, political, economic, publicized aim of equipping itself (NAM) was a ‘personalities’ project of structural and discursive – with the sociological and cultural terms. At with three fleets and attaining second three leaders in the post second world presence of a Western bloc led by the the policy level, however a dichotomy strike capability, the Indian navy war phase – Gamal Abdel Nasser United States and a military alliance appears with Beijing reflexively has the flexibility to partner and (Egypt), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia) exemplified by the North Atlantic inclined to dismiss and even degrade cooperate with other powerful actors’ and Jawaharlal Nehru (India). Treaty Organization (NATO),6 and India as a ‘regional power’–as it does navies from time to time – an option History has relegated them to being an Eastern bloc led by the Soviet often– and spare no effort in keeping that China does not have as yet. mere citations. We should not repeat Union, comprising satellite states India to the margins of forums like The effort taken by India to this again, although it is said ‘history from Eastern Europe in an alliance the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), make the Quadrilateral a dynamic repeats itself.’ called the “Warsaw Pact.” Resisting the East Asian Community (EAC) in grouping has followed the nearly the urge to join either bloc and Asia and other multilateral groupings year old Depsang Plains and *Raviprasad Narayanan is calculating that its priorities of bringing Asian countries together. Associate Professor, Centre domestic development necessitated Independent of China’s attempts 6Comprising 28 members from North America for East Asian Studies, School not participating in either, India to degrade India a notch by parsing and Europe (including Turkey), the NATO as an of International Studies, opted for a policy of “non-alignment” it a regional power is the recognition inter-governmental military alliance came into being with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty on 4 Jawaharlal Nehru University, which became a pulpit from which that India is indeed a presence in April 1949. 7See Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, “India’s Foreign Policy,” New Delhi. The views expressed declamations could be made about the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Foreign Affairs (New York), Vol. 34, No.3, April are personal the polarized world order in the post- China’s outreach into the IOR is 1956.

34 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 35 Can we take on China?

It was dark and only the icy mountains and the freezing Galwan river were witnesses to the gallantry of the hundreds of intrepid fighters who fought to rout the PLA. by Lt Gen PG Kamath (Veteran)

I was nine years old when the peacefully. China got away with the Sino-Indian Conflict of 1962 was annexation of a free country without At 14,000 ft fought. My late father had told me even international recrimination, then--perhaps incorrectly--that China let alone the use of force by the and India were fighting for Tibet, international community under Tibet. India also rejected a seat as a rights by China in Tibet in December of External Affairs that even after China for its blatant occupation of a country wedged between them. Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Permanent Member of the Security 1961, India still reeling from its self- all these decades a minister like S. our territory. Such an approach can However, the truth was that China Thereafter, there was an Council by stating that China inflicted submissive spell, abstained Jaishankar has not been able to release only be called the ‘Nehruvian China had invaded Tibet as early as in 1950 unending series of capitulations deserves to be at the top table. India from voting against China, thereby himself totally from this bind. Phobia’. and India had supinely acquiesced to China by Nehruvi an India. also did not raise a finger in March technically condoning the genocide. Our inability to name China So why does our MEA behave to the flagrant annexation of a free India formally accepted Tibet was 1959 when Tibet rose in revolt and Can you believe it? These are all bare even after its intrusion in Depsang, with such timidity towards China? country. Other than making placatory a part of China in the Agreement China slaughtered 87,000 Tibetans facts and not subject to any other Galwan, Gogra and Northern Bank The primary reason is that they do and perfunctory protests, India did on Trade and Intercourse in April forcing HH Dalai Lama to flee to interpretation except corroborating of Pangong Tso is a case in point not have confidence in the Indian nothing when Tibet sought our help. 1954, downsized the Indian Mission India. The people’s chagrin against our abject surrender to China. Our to show our uncalled-for civility Armed Forces. Our diplomats are not On the contrary, we helped China in Lhasa accredited to Tibet to China was so high that the Indian track record in dealing with China and deference to that country. Even formally trained in strategy and have by forestalling a discussion on the a Consulate, then accredited it Government had no option but to had been abysmal even before our when Secretary of State of the US no idea about the country’s armed ‘Invasion of Tibet’ sponsored by El to China, abnegated our trade give political asylum to HH and his defeat in the 1962 war. Hereafter, it Mike Pompeo offered help and was forces. They have no idea how to Salvador in the UNGA in Dec 1950 privileges in Tibet at Yatung, Gyantse followers. was complete capitulation to China. castigating China for its expansionism balance out the nation’s ‘ends, means with an assurance to the world that and Gartok and dismantled our When the UNGA discussed The Nehruvian docility towards in South China Sea, East China Sea and ways’ by using the instruments India and Britain will resolve the issue telecommunication facilities in the violation of fundamental human China is so ingrained in the Ministry and Himalayas, we did not call out of national power to achieve national

36 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 37 goals. What does it involve? How do no option India had to intervene between two behemoths and possibly when the world was reeling from we achieve them in the short, middle and block construction of the road Bhutan could lose out in the end. the Pandemic and countries were and long terms? In each geopolitical from Batangla. A standoff for 73 It is a fact of history, when a grappling to get it under control. area, how do our national goals days enabled India to stop the road country gets intoxicated by power, What could be a better time than manifest into sub-goals and sub- construction in that particular area. it loses its grip on reality. China had in May 2020?By executing a well- sub-goals? How do we achieve them When Nehru became the PM there It was no doubt a vindication of our forcibly occupied the South China planned manoeuvre China occupied in phases? What are the resources “ willingness to take a stand against Sea disregarding the claims of the the disputed parts of Eastern Ladakh available and how do we muster and was only one political leader who China when our national interests are other five peripheral countries. It at Depsang, Gogra, Galwan and utilise them to achieve our aims? was able to correctly sense the at stake, but it was a pyrrhic victory. is also launching sallies in the East Fingers 8 to 4 on the Northern banks Obviously, most will draw a blank. China went ahead and captured China Sea to browbeat Japan for the of Pangong Tso. This was in complete Secondly, the adage that ‘war intentions of China. the rest of Dokalam Plateau from island of Senkaku. With its air and disregard to the five agreements starts when diplomacy fails’, though Bhutan. However, we did not live up sea intrusions, China is intimidating between India and China from 1993 correct, has been taken too seriously to the expectations of Bhutan with Taiwan. They have invoked illegal to 2013, where they mutually agreed by our diplomats. They would rather whom we are bound by the Treaty of Security Laws in Hong Kong in to maintain peace and tranquillity surrender and cede territory to show 2007.Under the Art 2 of the treaty, contravention to the Anglo-China and enhance CBMs on the LAC. that they have succeeded in averting the two countries had agreed that Agreement of 1984.Drunk by No doubt the Indian Army was war. Since independence India has Even during the Indo-Pak War of which compromised the Chinese they would not allow the use of each success, China believes that it is time initially taken by surprise. Protest lost 78,114 sq. kms to Pakistan and 1965, China was browbeating India” position. In conjunction, ‘Operation other’s territory for activities harmful to take on India and occupy the notes were sent and flag meetings 37,555 sq. kms to China, thanks to by amassing troops on the Sino- Chequerboard’ was also launched to to the national security and interests disputed territories by use of force were held and China stuck to its our spooked diplomats. We also lost Indian Border and giving ultimatums test the defences of India’s Eastern of the other. Bhutan on its part did and unilaterally change the LAC to age-old tactics of delay, mediate, raise Tibet as a buffer zone between China to India. Again in 1967, the PLA Command. India’s resolve in not invoke the provisions of the its advantage. doubts, clarify, raise observations, re- and India. Diplomacy without the tried to prevent our troops from defending its borders was made more treaty as it would have spurred a war The opportune time was raise doubts and delay to ultimately backing of military and economic laying a fence on the crest line at than evident to the Chinese. power is akin to prostrating before an Nathula and Chola. Chinese opened Yet another intrusion happened aggressor to avoid war. heavy fire on our troops who were in Dokalam Plateau in 2017.The Avalanch rescue operation What was lacking with Prime in the open and killed and wounded entire dispute is on the location of Ministers in the past was the lack of scores of them. The Chinese had the trijunction between India, China political will. When Nehru became expected Indians would be cowed and Bhutan. China lays claim to the PM there was only one political down by the heavy losses. However, Gymochen as the Trijunction. It leader who was able to correctly General Sagat Singh launched a presupposes extending the Southern sense the intentions of China. Sardar massive retaliation, the likes of which tip of Chumbi Valley from Batangla Patel’s clairvoyance and prescience the Chinese would never forget. to Gymochen by occupying Dokalam of China’s intentions are unfolding More than 300 Chinese troops were Plateau. India and Bhutan always to this day. His last letter on 7 killed and China learnt a lesson of considered the Trijunction to be at November, 1950 addressed to Nehru a lifetime: never to take India for Batangla. China was forcibly trying to giving out his assessment of the granted. have its way and started construction situation on the Sino-Indian Frontier Can we take on China is a of road from Batangla to Gymochen and future relations shows his deep question that is repeatedly asked? through the Dokalam Plateau which understanding of the Chinese mind. We have already taken on China is an integral part of Bhutan. The letter is a testimony to his vision. more than half a century ago and it The extension of Chumbi Valley Unfortunately, Nehru was too naïve is not a conjecture anymore. Again, from Batangla to Gymochen has to understand the enigmatic Chinese. in 1986-87 the Chinese intruded grave adverse strategic implications By the time he realised it, it was into Sumdorong Chu Valley in for India. China has been trying to too late and India faced a crippling Tawang district of Arunachal decrease the crow flight distance to military defeat. Nehru died soon Pradesh. India launched ‘Operation the strategically vulnerable Siliguri after, a broken man with shattered Falcon’ and a brigade was moved by Corridor which is the only vital land dreams. helicopter on the Hatungla Ridge link to North East India. Left with

38 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 39 enforce the legitimacy to its new opposing troops fought a medieval were taken completely by surprise. procrastinating to lend permanency intrusions. Thereafter, India would battle with stones, brickbats, spiked It was dark and only the icy to its occupation. be presented with a fait accompli to clubs, iron pegs and knives like mountains and the freezing Galwan Then the Indian Army came up accept the new LAC. It is the same ‘kripan’ and ‘dha’ the whole night on river were witnesses to the gallantry with the most unexpected manoeuvre subterfuge that China had done in the icy heights with many falling into of the hundreds of intrepid fighters on the night of 29/30 August 2020. the South China Sea. the freezing Galwan River. The US who fought to rout the PLA. Indians It beat the PLA in its own game by The nation is worried as to whether Chinese military commanders intelligence has now confirmed that lost a CO and 19 soldiers. Chinese occupying the Southern Heights “ and political leaders were indeed the Galwan Clash was well planned casualties have been estimated of Pangong Tso from Thakung to we will succumb to Chinese pressure gloating over their successful by PLA to intimidate India. However, between 35 and 103. This conflict Rechinla. The entire Kailash Range and vacate the strategic heights that occupation of the disputed territory. it backfired. It vindicated the fighting has no doubt raised doubts in the with over 13 formidable heights were PLA was smug and did not foresee prowess of our troops and more minds of the Chinese military and in the hands of the Indian Army. It we have occupied. any violent reactions from Indians. importantly, demonstrated how the political leadership about the fighting dominated the Spangur Gap, Moldo India with forbearance tried to reason institution of the ‘Commanding efficacy of their men. It also put Chinese Camp and all areas to its out with the Chinese. A series of Officer’ has been well preserved in the them in a bit of quandary vis-a-vis North. India now had a tactically senior commanders’ meetings were Indian Army. The martyrdom of the an exit strategy from this self-created secure base in case it decided to held from 6 June 2020 onwards. CO triggered an enraged battalion impasse. However, as the days rolled launch an offensive to capture a part On the night of 15 June 2020, leading to a ferocious assault on the into weeks and weeks into months it of Aksai Chin and could also threaten defence budgets. requirements. the Galwan clash took place. The PLA in their camps. The PLA troops was clear that China was strategically the Tibet-Xinjiang Western Highway India can take on China even ” Lastly, never forget to take (G-219).It was the bitterest pill for today. Indian troops are well trained care of the ‘man behind the gun’. the Chinese to swallow. From here in high altitude warfare and are This aspect is being neglected by the Mobilization at 14,000 ft onwards the meetings have been highly motivated. All that I ask government due to an absolute lack focused on getting India evicted from is that the Government should of strategic vision and inability to these heights. Eight rounds of senior develop the necessary political will. comprehend the nuances in handling commanders’ meetings have been A comprehensive ‘National Security Armed Forces. Please do not take held and both are not relenting. The Strategy’ has to be formed laying the Armed Forces for granted. In nation is worried as to whether we down the year-wise build-up of our this context, it is relevant to mention will succumb to Chinese pressure and capabilities to fight a ‘Two-Front the observations of the Delhi High vacate the strategic heights that we War for Ninety Days Duration’.We Court: “Members of the armed have occupied. India has put China need to build thermonuclear weapons forces, who take the oath of laying on the backfoot. Undoubtedly, the and induct Agni VI with MIRV down their lives for the country, harsh winter will take its toll on our capabilities. The Triad that India has deserve special treatment and are troops. However, these are necessary built has to be refined. We should not to be harassed unnecessarily and risks and sacrifices that a country has build a ‘Four Carrier-based Task made ping pong of by being sent to make to ensure the integrity and Forces’ to dominate the Northern from one forum of adjudication to sovereignty of our country. Indian Ocean and interdict all access another”. They need to be nourished, We should never underestimate from the Pacific Ocean. Our Air sustained and inspired. There is no our adversaries. China’s intrusions Force has to be built to 52 squadrons time to waste. The nation should were planned. Probably, they had to meet the two front threats; know that China is just waiting not anticipated our reactions having anything less is a compromise. The for an opportunity to launch an been used to our historically placid Indian Army is lacking in its basic offensive to put us in our place. It is responses. There is no doubt China weapons. Some hurried procurement smarting with rage to avenge our bold will have to come up with an exit of Sig Sauer SIG716 7.62x51 is manoeuvre. Its forces are fully arrayed strategy. On our part, we have being done from the US and Russian in Tibet. We can certainly take on neglected the Indian Armed Forces AK-203 rifle manufacture is still China. However, if we fail to plan for the past seven decades. It is high deadlocked over the price. The list is then we plan to fail. time the Indian Government realises endless. However, unless we plan, we its past follies and allocate adequate will not be even aware of our defence

40 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 41 The Journal of “DISABILITIES & Behind The Headlines IMPAIRMENTS” Restoring The Dignity

sections of our society viz. Only time reveals what is In underscoring current “Persons with Disabilities”. valuable and societal challenges, “BEHIND This strategic and innovative enduring. Thirty- THE HEADLINES” shares modalities immensely aids the four Years ago, two accounts of success stories not task of connecting rehabilitation far sighted academics covered in the news. It provides professionals with those in need launched this journal a deeper understanding of the with delivery of services at their in 1987. The journal’s real-life experiences faced by door step level and strengthens core philosophy also disabled soldiers of Indian Armed the process of social reforms predated today’s concept Forces and ordinary citizens with and helps to integrate border of Atmanirbhar or self- disabilities. It is the only Journal people with mainstream reliance. The very fact that that has initiated reporting of the India thus fulfilling a vital this journal was produced, success stories of citizens with national security objective. composed in India with disabilities. They are talented This work has been duly domestic content for an youth from rural backgrounds who acknowledged in various Indian audience was in became physically challenged while quarters and has received itself a demonstrator or serving the motherland or due to a great outpouring of the self-reliant approach, accidents. They have defeated all aimed at highlighting the genuine appreciation. The multifarious aspects of government of India’s Niti disabilities and impairments Ayog has substantiated in India as well as its emerging the achievements as an example of challenges. Today, disabilities sterling professional performance. and impairments have become a key focus of public policy In underscoring the trending societal challenges People influence and health management. Yet, thirty-four years ago, it the Journal in its section incorporated “Behind The “ was a topic barely discussed in policy circles. Our journal Headlines” and shares accounts of success stories not the environment can proudly say it helped bring about this momentous covered in the news. It is the only Journal that has initiated change in attitudes, policy and implementation. Over the reporting of the success stories of ordinary differently & communities years, the journal has successfully created a professional abled citizens, paraplegic soldiers and converted adversaries platform providing functional information and aligning to possibilities, setback into opportunities with people within which we research work with grassroots level implementation of participations. Their success stories highlights the exist & ultimately policies geared to redress the conditions of impairments responsibility of all citizens towards the state apparatus, and disabilities. The Journal’s other achievements include community at large to strengthen the process of inclusive ‘People Matter publishing over 600 internationally and nationally Nation Building. acclaimed research papers. It is also the only Indian Journal Result Count’. which has undertaken outreach project with Ministry of The Journal of Disabilities & Impairment is oldest Indian Journal Social Justice & Empowerment with a strategic tie-up with Estd 1987 bearing ISSN (Print)0970356X&ISSN the Indian Armed Forces, under Government mission (online)2582-2047 with Registration Number RN/507028/87. ‘Ability Beyond Disability’ in the country’s under-served Web Site.www.disabilitiesimpairments.in and border regions. Mission objective, prompted by larger Email: [email protected] societal responsibility, is to assist the most downtrodden [email protected] ” 42 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | 43 odds to convert their setback into opportunities while facing uncertainties & conflicting policies of state. Their success highlights the responsibility of all citizens in strengthening the state apparatus to empower one and all. Technological advancement in communication and information connects us worldwide, it discloses innumerous common citizens’ deep sense of responsibility, true commitment and selfless “Soldierly REAL HEROS Deeds” which has fetched a new dawn and rekindled hope into the lives of people-citizens with positive change on the mindset. Since development is a shared goal & in this era of close connectivity, every person holding some piece of information with experience and aligning the same with the ground level actions can bring transformation making inclusive growth a reality and a cognizant society. The ultimate message is “Inclusive Nation Building.” intelligence in itself goes a long way to articulate the Empowered citizen strengthen the community strategies in number of ways to structure the essence of conscious that further strengthen the governance. It sustainable inclusive development. enhance people participations that yield inclusive Ms Ishrat Akhtar born in 1997 at small development. People influence the environment & village Bangdara of District Baramulla; Kashmir. A communities within which we exist & ultimately meritorious student with outstanding abilities of sports ‘People Matter Result Count’. Information and & outdoor activities. She lost her mother in 2008 when Knowledge shape the implementing process in she is 10 year old and on 24th Aug 2016 she met with addressing the social obligation and restoring the dignity ill fated accident and become paraplegic, thereafter of differently abled persons. More the information- her activities confined with Wheel Chair. Her Quest To Excel & Empowerment is the driving force to convert Adversaries to Possibilities. She acknowledges unconditional support of voluntary Medicare Society- Bemina [Srinagar] along with community participation in most difficult initial stages after she become paraplegic. She is member of Indian Wheel Chair basketball Team for Asia Oceana Wheel Chair basketball championship after her outstanding performance at the two consecutive National Level Wheel Chair basketball championships. She admired & acknowledge the praise worthy efforts of Indian Army & J & K Police forces deployed in Kashmir for providing all requisite support Indian Wheel Chair Basketball Team For Asian Oceana Championship & Para to enabled her to travel from her home town village Olympic Qualifying Held In PATTAYA Thailand ( 27 Nov 2019 To 07 Dec 2019). Bangdara of District Baramulla Kashmir to Chennai to participate for the national level championship which is stepping stone to be the member of Indian Team. She is brand ambassador of District Baramula Mr Kiren Rijiju, Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth, GoI with Miss Ishrat Akhtar and for the Government ‘Beti Bachao Beti Parao’ National Secretary General of WBFI Flagship Mission.

44 | SALUTE THE SOLDIER | JANUARY 2021 SALUTE THE SOLD ER “Soldiers are our nations family members, neighbors and friends protecting our liberties and freedom.”

Views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author’s alone and do not reflect the official views of the Indian Army.