Indian Army braces for harsh winters in Ladakh, works on re-deployment of troops & geo tagging of key features

Indian Army prepares to deal with harsh winters in Ladakh as it plans re-deployment of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with adequate reserves in depth areas. According to The Indian Express, the redeployment of the troops in the region would involve a temporary reduction of soldiers in the higher reaches isolated by snow. It is also focusing on the completion of the geo-tagging of key features along the LAC and strengthening of the surveillance infrastructure.

Despite disengaging from the friction points along the LAC after China and India reached an understanding in October 2024, troops have yet to de-escalate from the Ladakh region. Hence, the Army continues to be heavily deployed in eastern Ladakh, making this the sixth consecutive winter deployment in the region since 2020.

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Meanwhile, Chinese troops also continue to be deployed in similar strength across the LAC. According to the sources, the LAC has been calm, and no incidents have happened in the region this year. The peace in the region came after a series of confidence-building measures and strict control by the commanders at all levels to avoid clashes between troops.

What the preparation entails

According to The Indian Express, in the next few months, the Army would implement its winter posture and redeploy troops in forward posts to platoon and company locations in the vicinity. Sources close ot the matter told the news outlet that the leave percentage of troops stationed in the region would also see changes to ensure that more troops are present during the summer.

Other than this, India would focus on strengthening its surveillance infrastructure along the LAC to ensure most areas are covered. According to The Indian Express, a comprehensive surveillance network will be used to extensively monitor the LAC and the surrounding areas around the clock. The steps are being undertaken to establish a long-term objective of reducing additional patrolling effort.

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The source said that the domination of the border using the latest surveillance devices will continue through the winter, and would be backed by large-scale use of drones and winter air surveillance sorties by helicopters. There will also be limited coordinated patrols when required in the region.

The sources told the news outlet that geo-tagging of specific key features along the LAC, which began earlier this year, has mostly been completed. Local commanders are expected to verify the feature after winter ends. It is pertinent to note that the Rashtriya Rifles is currently deployed in eastern Ladakh.

Last week, India and China held the 23rd round of military talks at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point, a year after both sides agreed to disengage from the legacy friction points along the LAC. At that time, it was decided to continue the use of “existing mechanisms to resolve any ground issues along the border to maintain stability”.