India & China Deploy Forces In Ladakh, Biggest Face-Off Possible After Doklam

New Delhi: The presence of Chinese military in several disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh has escalated the chances of a face-off between India and China after the Doklam incident in 2017.

Since China has deployed about 2500 military personnel in Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley in Ladakh, Indian troops have also started heavy patrolling in several sensitive areas to keep a track of their movement.

“The strength of the Indian Army in the area is much better than our adversary,” a top military official told Outlook India.

Besides, China also criticized the Indian government for declaring Ladakh a union territory as both sides are fighting boundary issues with each other.

The tensions aggravated after the clash between the two sides in Eastern Ladakh on May 5 wherein over 100 soldiers were injured. While China claimed that the Indian troops trespassed into its territory in Sikkim and Ladakh, Indian officials refuted the allegations.

“There have been multiple incursions (by Chinese troops). This is something which causes concern. It is not a routine standoff. This is a disturbing situation,” Strategic Affairs expert Ashok K Kantha Kantha told the media.

In 2017, both countries engaged in Doklam. The 73-day face-off between the troops triggered war-like situation between India and China.

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