Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi: Situation at LAC ‘Not Normal’ with China, Urges Restoration to Pre-April 2020 Status

In a candid assessment of the ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi characterized the current situation as “sensitive” and “not normal.” Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue on Tuesday, General Dwivedi underscored the need for India to navigate its complex relationship with China through a multifaceted approach that includes competition, cooperation, coexistence, confrontation, and contestation.

The Army chief indicated that while the situation at the LAC is stable, the Indian side aims to revert it to its status prior to April 2020. This reference highlights a significant turning point when China made attempts to transgress into Indian territory, leading to heightened military tensions in eastern Ladakh. General Dwivedi emphasized that the Indian Armed Forces successfully thwarted these incursions, yet the region remains a focal point of ongoing tensions.

“Trust has become the biggest casualty,” General Dwivedi remarked, acknowledging the deteriorating diplomatic ties between India and China. Last week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described the relationship as “very significantly disturbed,” further illustrating the challenges faced in restoring diplomatic rapport.

General Dwivedi stated, “We want the situation to be restored to what it was before April 2020, whether in terms of the ground occupation situation or the buffer zones which have been created or patrolling which have been kind of planned as of now.” He reiterated the commitment of the Indian Armed Forces to remain operationally prepared to address any contingencies that may arise due to the sensitive nature of the LAC.

The ongoing tension has prompted diplomatic engagements between India and China, with two rounds of talks held in July and August aimed at resolving outstanding issues in eastern Ladakh. However, General Dwivedi’s remarks indicate that the path to normalization remains fraught with challenges, necessitating vigilance and readiness from Indian forces.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the Indian military’s stance reflects a complex interplay of caution and readiness, reinforcing the importance of maintaining stability along the contested border.