Vantage | Why India needs to tell more about its successes on China border

In the realm of international geopolitics, few issues have commanded as much attention and concern as the ongoing border standoff between India and China. For nearly four years, the two Asian giants have been entangled in a tense and precarious situation along their shared borders, most notably in the Galwan Valley. While the world is familiar with the tragic events that unfolded in 2020, recent developments shed light on the continuous challenges faced by both nations.

Galwan Valley incidents The Galwan Valley clashes of 2020 marked a significant escalation in tensions between India and China. Chinese troops, without provocation, attacked Indian soldiers, resulting in fatalities on the border for the first time in 45 years. Since then, the Galwan Valley has become a focal point, witnessing multiple incursion attempts by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in subsequent years. Contrary to expectations of de-escalation, there have been at least two more skirmishes between September 2021 and November 2022. The PLA targeted Indian Army positions at Shankar Tekri and Atari, both strategically positioned along the Line of Actual Control. Despite these provocations, Indian troops successfully repelled the incursions, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity. On-ground operations What sets the recent revelations apart is the insight into on-ground operations that have largely remained shrouded in secrecy. Since the Galwan Valley standoff, Indian troops have not merely defended their positions but have actively undertaken reconnaissance missions. These missions involve venturing behind enemy lines, exemplifying the Indian Army’s commitment to monitoring and safeguarding its borders. One remarkable operation unfolded in the Sikkim area, where a Major from the Para-Special Forces crossed into “enemy” territory. Stationed for 120 hours, the Major provided live-feed intelligence on military movements despite challenging weather conditions. Another mission involved crossing into Chinese territory, the details of which remain classified, but the Indian Army emerged successful. Recognition of bravery The bravery and dedication of the Indian Army in these covert operations have not gone unnoticed. In a rare acknowledgment, officers involved in these missions were awarded gallantry awards. The citations, once publicly available, outlined the extraordinary acts of bravery displayed during these operations. Despite the international reporting of these incidents, there seems to be hesitation in openly sharing the details of these stories. The video of the award ceremony, where officers were recognised for their bravery, was initially in the public domain but has since been taken down. The reasons for this removal remain unclear, prompting speculation about the sensitivity surrounding these revelations.: General Manoj Pande, the Indian Army chief, emphasized the stability but sensitivity of the current border situation. The need for vigilance persists, as challenges may continue to arise. The question remains: What are India’s options beyond maintaining a large troop presence on the border? Should New Delhi publicise these provocations to keep Beijing in check, or does some level of secrecy serve a strategic purpose? As the world watches, the delicate balance between transparency and strategic advantage remains a critical consideration for India in navigating this protracted border dispute. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.