Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, said talks are underway to resolve the border dispute between India and China. He, however, assured that not an inch of India’s land can be taken away by any power in the world.

Ladakh, July 17:

 Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said no power in the world can take an inch of India’s land while interacting with Indian Army and ITBP personnel at Lukung post near Pangong Lake in Ladakh.

Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, also said that talks are underway to resolve the border dispute between India and China. While India remains hopeful of a resolution to the ongoing tussle with China through dialogue, Singh said there is no guarantee of the final outcome.

Singh, however, assured that India will not give away an inch of land to any power in the world. The Defence Minister also said India will respond incase any future aggression continues or any country tries to grand Indian territory.

“To what extent it can be resolved I cannot guarantee, but I can assure you, not an inch of our land can be taken away by any power in the world, “ he said while addressing Indian Army personnel.

Rajnath Singh emphasised on finding a diplomatic solution to the standoff with China and added that there is “nothing better” than a solution through diplomatic and military talks.

However, the disengagement is far from complete with the Chinese showing reluctance in moving back in the Pangong Lake. Even the Hot Springs areas around patrol point 14 continues to be a hurdle.

At Pangong Lake — the biggest flashpoint — the distance between troops from both sides is 4-5 km on the bank of the river, but on the mountain ridges of the lake, the troops are separated about 1 km.

The Chinese had been camping at Finger 4 that was always under Indian control. The Chinese had come in 8km till Finger 4 from Finger 8. India maintains the Line of Actual Control runs through Finger 8. The mountain spurs jutting into the lake are referred to as Fingers in military parlance.

Other than Pangong Lake the situation still remains tense in the Hot Springs area referred to as Patrol Point (PP17A) where a thinning of troops from has happened but 40-50 soldiers still remain in close proximity separated only by 600-800 metres, sources said.

At PP14 or the Galwan River Valley area where the bloody clash took place on June 15 when 20 Indian soldier were killed in action the Chinese have moved back 1.5 km from LAC and the distance between troops on each side is 3 km.

At PP15, the fourth friction point the disengagement seems to be complete with Indian and Chinese troops separated by 8-10 km.

Referring to the 20 soldiers who lost their lives in Galwan on June 15, the defence minister said 130 core Indians mourned their sacrifice.

“Our soldiers are the pride of the country. I am happy to be here but at the same time sad about losing our braves at PP 14. We will never forget their sacrifices. Prime Minister has also said their sacrifice will not go in vain,” Singh said.

The defence minister landed at a Leh at around 8 am and was given a brief on the current situation by officers from the army, Air Force and ITBP also deployed at LAC. Singh witnessed an exercise by the troops including some battle drills.

The exercise showcased the application of integrated combined force in High altitude terrain, involving newer generation IAF helicopters and special forces wargaming a link up in battle scenario to ensure synergy.

A special assault drill by Ladakh Scouts was also demonstrated.

The defence minister accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Army Chief Gen MM Naravane later flew to Srinagar. Rajnath Singh will visit forward areas at Line of Control to get a sense of preparedness against Pakistan.