India-China Standoff: Indian Army Stocks Up Kits, Essential Supplies In Ladakh As Winter Nears

Looking at the disengagement process and the approaching season, the military troops are in the process of stocking-up on essential supplies and equipment for the soldiers on the front.

Photo: File/ Getty Images

While another round of military-level talks is underway to simmer down the border disputes between two Asian-nuclear neighbours, the Indian Army has meanwhile prepared for the circumstance, if required to be deployed for longer in the Ladakh region. The water temperature in the river at Galwan Valley is already sub-zero and in another few weeks, a ‘general winter’ will take over the area. Looking at the disengagement process and the approaching season, the military troops are in the process of stocking-up on essential supplies and equipment for the soldiers on the front. According to NDTV reports, a senior government source told the publication that "We now need more of everything, clothing for individual soldiers, shoes, and additional stocks for everyone.'' The report mentioned the source saying that four foreign vendors have been identified for the task and the stocking of supplies is expected to be completed by November sometime. The Army is also looking for other basic supplies such as rations, kerosene, fuel, oil, etc. On June 30, India had said that disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh has not yet been completed, two days after China claimed that the process was completed. "There has been some progress made towards this objective but the disengagement process has as yet not been completed," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at an online media briefing when asked about China's claim that the frontline troops of the two countries have completed disengagement at most localities along the LAC. So far, four rounds of Army Cdr level talks, two rounds of WMCC meetings, and one virtual meet between Special Representatives of India and China, Ajit Doval, and Wang Yi have taken place. The fifth round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China was held on Sunday to scale down tensions along the de facto border. India will focus on "complete disengagement" by China in Ladakh's Finger area. ALSO WATCH | India-China to hold fifth round of Commander-level talks today