The basic issue with China remains resolution of the border and what is seen is China’s intent to keep “the boundary issue alive”, according to Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande. In eastern Ladakh, India’s aim and intention, as far as the situation was concerned, was to restore the status quo ante prior to April 2020, he said.
On the impact of the Ukraine war, he observed that the foremost one was the relevance of conventional wars still remained and they need not necessarily be short and swift. He acknowledged that the Army’s supply chains were impacted to “some extent” but asserted that there was sufficient stock to last for a “reasonable” period of time.
“The first and foremost challenge is the resolution of the situations along the borders prevailing since April/May 2020. Our aim and intention as far as the situation is concerned is to restore the status quo ante prior to April 2020 in eastern Ladakh. Our intention is also re-establish the trust and tranquillity on both sides,” Gen. Pande said in an interaction with a group of journalists on Monday. “It cannot be a one way affair. Efforts should be made from the sides.”
