A Chinese soldier who was apprehended a few days back by India has now been handed back to China. The Chinese soldier who had been apprehended on January 8, was handed back to China at Chushul-Moldo at 10.10 a.m. today (January 11).

News Alert: India releases Chinese soldier apprehended for crossing LAC

India on Monday handed over the Chinese soldier who was apprehended by Indian forces along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-detains-chinese-soldier-found-on-indian-side-of-lac-355630">Line of Actual Control</a>(LAC).

Watch:

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The PLA soldier was handed to Chinese authorities at Chushul. The Chinese soldier was detained on Friday morning.

"The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures, and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," the Indian Army had said in a statement.

The PLA's daily had said that soldier went missing in "the darkness and complicated terrain".

"India should strictly abide by the relevant agreements between the two countries, and promptly transfer the missing person to China, to help with cooling and de-escalating the China-Indian border situation," the PLA daily said.

It is the second time India has detained a Chinese solider, in October last year Indian forces had detained a Chinese soldier.

Indian and Chinese troops have at loggerheads ever since they clashed in Galwan Valley in June-15-16 last year although the Chinese army had suffered casualties as well but the country's foreign ministry has refused to divulge the casualty figure.

Although several rounds of talks have been conducted by Indian and Chinese commanders but there are a large number of troops from both sides deployed along the LAC.

India's foreign ministry said on Friday that both countries had agreed to conduct another round of talks between its Army commanders.

"In the meantime, both sides have maintained communication at the ground level to avoid any misunderstandings and misjudgements," the MEA said.

India on Monday handed over the Chinese soldier who was apprehended by Indian forces along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Watch: The PLA soldier was handed to Chinese authorities at Chushul.

India on Monday handed over the Chinese soldier who was apprehended by Indian forces along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Watch: The PLA soldier was handed to Chinese authorities at Chushul. The Chinese soldier was detained on Friday morning. "The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures, and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," the Indian Army had said in a statement. The PLA's daily had said that soldier went missing in "the darkness and complicated terrain". "India should strictly abide by the relevant agreements between the two countries, and promptly transfer the missing person to China, to help with cooling and de-escalating the China-Indian border situation," the PLA daily said. It is the second time India has detained a Chinese solider, in October last year Indian forces had detained a Chinese soldier. Indian and Chinese troops have at loggerheads ever since they clashed in Galwan Valley in June-15-16 last year although the Chinese army had suffered casualties as well but the country's foreign ministry has refused to divulge the casualty figure. Although several rounds of talks have been conducted by Indian and Chinese commanders but there are a large number of troops from both sides deployed along the LAC. India's foreign ministry said on Friday that both countries had agreed to conduct another round of talks between its Army commanders. "In the meantime, both sides have maintained communication at the ground level to avoid any misunderstandings and misjudgements," the MEA said.

India-China standoff: India releases Chinese soldier apprehended along LAC

A Chinese soldier has been arrested on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after he was found on the Indian side of the LAC, according to a statement issued by the Government of India.

"The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures, and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," the statement read.

This incident happened in the early hours of Friday and the Indian soldiers deployed in the area detained the soldier to follow the already-established process.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/news-alert-indian-army-apprehends-chinese-soldier-in-ladakh-355601">WATCH|</a>

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According to the statement by the Indian army, the Chinese soldier had transgressed LAC and is taken into custody by the Indian troops.

The soldier was apprehended in an area which has seen a rise in heated activities in the last year. The South of the Pangaong Lake was the area where the Indian forces are present at the moment.

This is also the second time India has detained a Chinese soldier. Before this, the soldier was detained in the same region in October.

The incident has come at a point when the Indian and Chinese governments are in continued talks regarding disengagement of troops across the borders after weeks of heated encounters between the two sides.

Following several encounters and exchange of words, the two countries had deployed tens of thousands of troops and&nbsp;weaponry in the area to safeguard their sides of the borders.

A Chinese soldier has been arrested on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after he was found on the Indian side of the LAC, according to a statement issued by the Government of India.

A Chinese soldier has been arrested on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after he was found on the Indian side of the LAC, according to a statement issued by the Government of India. "The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures, and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," the statement read. This incident happened in the early hours of Friday and the Indian soldiers deployed in the area detained the soldier to follow the already-established process. WATCH| × According to the statement by the Indian army, the Chinese soldier had transgressed LAC and is taken into custody by the Indian troops. The soldier was apprehended in an area which has seen a rise in heated activities in the last year. The South of the Pangaong Lake was the area where the Indian forces are present at the moment. This is also the second time India has detained a Chinese soldier. Before this, the soldier was detained in the same region in October. The incident has come at a point when the Indian and Chinese governments are in continued talks regarding disengagement of troops across the borders after weeks of heated encounters between the two sides. Following several encounters and exchange of words, the two countries had deployed tens of thousands of troops and weaponry in the area to safeguard their sides of the borders.

India detains Chinese soldier found on Indian side of LAC

A Chinese soldier has been arrested on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. According to the statement by the Indian army, the Chinese soldier has transgressed LAC and is taken into custody by the Indian troops.

News Alert: Indian Army apprehends Chinese soldier in Ladakh

The "unilateral and provocative" actions by the Chinese military to change the status quo by force in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) were responded to in a "firm" and "non-escalatory way", the Defence Ministry has said in an annual report.

The report said Indian troops are well entrenched to counter any "misadventure" by Chinese forces and that the Indian Army is prepared for any eventuality, adding talks are also progressing to resolve the issue in an amicable manner.

Referring to the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 that marked one of the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades, the defence ministry said the Chinese side also suffered "significant casualties". 
Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the clashes.

"Unilateral and provocative actions by the Chinese to change the status quo by force, in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), were responded to in a firm and non-escalatory way, ensuring the sanctity of our claims in Eastern Ladakh," it said.

"Indian Army has maintained all protocols and agreements between the two countries while the PLA escalated the situation by utilisation of unorthodox weapons and amassing a large number of troops," it added.

India and China are locked in an eight-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties. Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.

The defence ministry said the Indian Army, with assistance from IAF, mobilised troops including accretionary forces in a very short duration including heavy equipment like guns, tanks as also ammunition, rations and clothing.

On the June 15 incident, the report said, "In a major skirmish in Galwan, 20 brave Indian soldiers lost their lives while preventing PLA troops from entering into our territory. The Chinese also suffered significant casualties."

It said on August 28 and 29, Indian troops in a precautionary deployment, pre-empted Chinese "expansionist designs" and occupied heights along the southern bank of Pangong Tso. The report said Indian troops, braving inclement weather, continue to be deployed on these heights.

"Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) and winter preparations for the enhanced strength have been completed and troops are well entrenched to counter any misadventure by Chinese forces. While the Indian Army is prepared for any eventuality, talks are also progressing to resolve the issue in an amicable manner," it said.

The report said the Indian Army has resolutely countered adversaries on the Line of Control (LC) and the LAC. The force carried out relentless counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations.

The "unilateral and provocative" actions by the Chinese military to change the status quo by force in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) were responded to in a "firm" and "non-escalatory way", the Defence Ministry has said in an annual report.

The "unilateral and provocative" actions by the Chinese military to change the status quo by force in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) were responded to in a "firm" and "non-escalatory way", the Defence Ministry has said in an annual report. The report said Indian troops are well entrenched to counter any "misadventure" by Chinese forces and that the Indian Army is prepared for any eventuality, adding talks are also progressing to resolve the issue in an amicable manner. Referring to the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 that marked one of the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades, the defence ministry said the Chinese side also suffered "significant casualties". Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the clashes. "Unilateral and provocative actions by the Chinese to change the status quo by force, in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), were responded to in a firm and non-escalatory way, ensuring the sanctity of our claims in Eastern Ladakh," it said. "Indian Army has maintained all protocols and agreements between the two countries while the PLA escalated the situation by utilisation of unorthodox weapons and amassing a large number of troops," it added. India and China are locked in an eight-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties. Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff. The defence ministry said the Indian Army, with assistance from IAF, mobilised troops including accretionary forces in a very short duration including heavy equipment like guns, tanks as also ammunition, rations and clothing. On the June 15 incident, the report said, "In a major skirmish in Galwan, 20 brave Indian soldiers lost their lives while preventing PLA troops from entering into our territory. The Chinese also suffered significant casualties." It said on August 28 and 29, Indian troops in a precautionary deployment, pre-empted Chinese "expansionist designs" and occupied heights along the southern bank of Pangong Tso. The report said Indian troops, braving inclement weather, continue to be deployed on these heights. "Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) and winter preparations for the enhanced strength have been completed and troops are well entrenched to counter any misadventure by Chinese forces. While the Indian Army is prepared for any eventuality, talks are also progressing to resolve the issue in an amicable manner," it said. The report said the Indian Army has resolutely countered adversaries on the Line of Control (LC) and the LAC. The force carried out relentless counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations.

China escalated LAC issue using ‘unorthodox weapons: Defence Ministry

India-China standoff: Satellite image of winter at Galwan Valley emerges

India-China standoff- How Indian Army is preparing to take on China's PLA in Ladakh's snow clad mountains

“There is a dual challenge from Covid-19 and Chinese attempts to change the Line of Actual Control", says Navy Chief Karambir Singh.

'Ready to tackle China', says Indian Navy Chief Karambir Singh

India-China standoff: China's J-11 fighter jet spotted along LAC, how will it respond in dogfight with India's Rafale?

According to a Chinese state media report, China is building a super dam on the river Brahmaputra near its border with India which is expected to be country's largest hydropower dam.

China building super dam on Brahmaputra river near LAC in Tibet

According to news agency ANI, India and China have agreed to disengagement from the friction points along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh.

WION Dispatch: India-China to disengage at LAC, China to move to its position beyond finger 8

ANI: India-China agree on a 3-phase plan, both sides to move back tanks from frontline

India is set to press for comprehensive disengagement of troops by the Chinese PLA from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh at the eighth round of Corps Commander-level talks on Friday.

The talks began at 9:30 am in Chushul on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Nearly 50,000 Indian Army troops are currently deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in sub-zero conditions as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded concrete outcome to resolve the six-month-long military standoff.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials.

The last round of Corps Commander-level talks had taken place on October 12 but there was no breakthrough on the disengagement of troops from the friction points. The standoff between the two sides erupted in early May.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently said the ties between India and China have come under "severe stress" and that the agreements inked by both sides on management of the border must be respected "scrupulously" in their "entirety" to restore normalcy in relations.

The Indian delegation at the eighth round of military talks will be led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the newly-appointed Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps.

A joint press statement by the two armies after the last round of talks said both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution for disengagement "as early as possible".

India has all along been maintaining that the onus is on China to carry forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points in the mountainous region.

Following the sixth round of military talks, the two sides announced a slew of decisions including not to send more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground and avoid taking any actions that may further complicate matters.

The sixth round was held with a specific agenda of exploring ways to implement a five-point agreement reached between Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a meeting in Moscow on September 10 on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) conclave.

The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC.

The situation in eastern Ladakh deteriorated following at least three attempts by Chinese soldiers to "intimidate" Indian troops along the northern and southern bank of Pangong lake area between August 29 and September 8 where even shots were fired in the air for the first time at the LAC in 45 years.

As tensions escalated further, the foreign ministers of India and China held talks in Moscow on September 10 where they reached a five-point agreement to defuse the situation in eastern Ladakh.

During the previous rounds of Corps Commander-level talks, the PLA had insisted on withdrawal of Indian troops from the strategic heights in Mukhpari, Rezang La and Magar hill areas around the southern bank of Pangong lake.

However, India maintained that the disengagement process has to start simultaneously in all the friction points. 
&nbsp;

India is set to press for comprehensive disengagement of troops by the Chinese PLA from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh at the eighth round of Corps Commander-level talks on Friday.

India is set to press for comprehensive disengagement of troops by the Chinese PLA from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh at the eighth round of Corps Commander-level talks on Friday. The talks began at 9:30 am in Chushul on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Nearly 50,000 Indian Army troops are currently deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in sub-zero conditions as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded concrete outcome to resolve the six-month-long military standoff. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials. The last round of Corps Commander-level talks had taken place on October 12 but there was no breakthrough on the disengagement of troops from the friction points. The standoff between the two sides erupted in early May. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently said the ties between India and China have come under "severe stress" and that the agreements inked by both sides on management of the border must be respected "scrupulously" in their "entirety" to restore normalcy in relations. The Indian delegation at the eighth round of military talks will be led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the newly-appointed Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps. A joint press statement by the two armies after the last round of talks said both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution for disengagement "as early as possible". India has all along been maintaining that the onus is on China to carry forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points in the mountainous region. Following the sixth round of military talks, the two sides announced a slew of decisions including not to send more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground and avoid taking any actions that may further complicate matters. The sixth round was held with a specific agenda of exploring ways to implement a five-point agreement reached between Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a meeting in Moscow on September 10 on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) conclave. The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC. The situation in eastern Ladakh deteriorated following at least three attempts by Chinese soldiers to "intimidate" Indian troops along the northern and southern bank of Pangong lake area between August 29 and September 8 where even shots were fired in the air for the first time at the LAC in 45 years. As tensions escalated further, the foreign ministers of India and China held talks in Moscow on September 10 where they reached a five-point agreement to defuse the situation in eastern Ladakh. During the previous rounds of Corps Commander-level talks, the PLA had insisted on withdrawal of Indian troops from the strategic heights in Mukhpari, Rezang La and Magar hill areas around the southern bank of Pangong lake. However, India maintained that the disengagement process has to start simultaneously in all the friction points.

India to press for expeditious disengagement at 8th round of military talks

As India and China continue to face off along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff">Line of Actual Control(LAC)</a>, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat has said that the Chinese Army is facing "unanticipated consequences" for its misadventure in eastern Ladakh.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/india-china-standoff-mig-29-chinook-part-of-the-operation-in-ladakh-334444/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Indian and Chinese Army have been confronting each other since June when the PLA attacked Indian positions in Galwan Valley leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although the PLA had lost soldiers as well but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge losses suffered by People's Liberation Army(PLA).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-standoff-india-and-china-to-hold-8th-round-of-military-talks-on-friday-340934">Also Read:&nbsp;India and China to hold 8th round of military talks</a>

"The situation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh remains tense. The PLA is facing unanticipated consequences of its misadventure in Ladakh because of the Indian defence force's firm and strong response. Our posturing is unambiguous and we will not accept any shifting of the LAC," the CDS chief said, adding, "in the overall security calculus, border confrontations, transgressions and unprovoked tactical military actions spiralling into a larger conflict cannot, therefore, be discounted."

Reiterating India's stand, India's defence minister Rajnath Singh had said the country is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity "in the face of unilateralism and aggression, no matter what the sacrifice".

The Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had said that the situation along the LAC was "generally stable" at the moment.

"The constant friction with two of our nuclear-armed neighbours with whom India has fought wars, with both increasingly acting in collusion, poses an omnipresent danger of regional strategic instability with potential for escalation, threatening our territorial integrity and strategic cohesion," Bipin Rawat added.

On Pakistan, the CDS chief said: "The surgical strikes post Uri terror attack and the Balakot airstrikes have delivered a strong message to Pakistan that it no longer enjoys the impunity of pushing terrorists across the Line of Control under the nuclear bogey, while adding that, the new Indian template has injected ambiguity and uncertainty in Pakistan, evident in its media reports, about Indian armed forces reaction, if Pakistan sponsored terrorists cross the threshold of tolerance."&nbsp;

As India and China continue to face off along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat has said that the Chinese Army is facing "unanticipated consequences" for its misadventure in eastern Ladakh.

As India and China continue to face off along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat has said that the Chinese Army is facing "unanticipated consequences" for its misadventure in eastern Ladakh. Watch: Indian and Chinese Army have been confronting each other since June when the PLA attacked Indian positions in Galwan Valley leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although the PLA had lost soldiers as well but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge losses suffered by People's Liberation Army(PLA). Also Read: India and China to hold 8th round of military talks "The situation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh remains tense. The PLA is facing unanticipated consequences of its misadventure in Ladakh because of the Indian defence force's firm and strong response. Our posturing is unambiguous and we will not accept any shifting of the LAC," the CDS chief said, adding, "in the overall security calculus, border confrontations, transgressions and unprovoked tactical military actions spiralling into a larger conflict cannot, therefore, be discounted." Reiterating India's stand, India's defence minister Rajnath Singh had said the country is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity "in the face of unilateralism and aggression, no matter what the sacrifice". The Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had said that the situation along the LAC was "generally stable" at the moment. "The constant friction with two of our nuclear-armed neighbours with whom India has fought wars, with both increasingly acting in collusion, poses an omnipresent danger of regional strategic instability with potential for escalation, threatening our territorial integrity and strategic cohesion," Bipin Rawat added. On Pakistan, the CDS chief said: "The surgical strikes post Uri terror attack and the Balakot airstrikes have delivered a strong message to Pakistan that it no longer enjoys the impunity of pushing terrorists across the Line of Control under the nuclear bogey, while adding that, the new Indian template has injected ambiguity and uncertainty in Pakistan, evident in its media reports, about Indian armed forces reaction, if Pakistan sponsored terrorists cross the threshold of tolerance."

India-China standoff: PLA facing unanticipated consequences of misadventure in Ladakh, says CDS Gen Bipin Rawat

Indian General Bipin Rawat warns China that India will not accept shifting the LAC during 8th round of top military talks between India & China.

We will not accept any shift in LAC: Indian General Bipin Rawat

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday boarded the flight for the trip to India for the third edition of the two-plus-two ministerial dialogue, that begins in New Delhi. The visit comes a week before the American presidential election scheduled on November 3.

Pompeo, Esper to meet Rajnath Singh and S Jaishankar

Amid tensions with China on LAC India is hosting the 3rd edition of 2+2 ministerial dialogue with the US. Mike Pompeo will be holding the bilateral talks with the Indian counterparts on Monday (26 October). US defence secretary Mark Esper was welcomed by the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh.

WION Dispatch: India-US dialogue amid China tensions; Pompeo, Esper in New Delhi

India is hosting the 3rd edition of 2+2 ministerial dialogue with the US. Mike Pompeo will be holding the bilateral talks with the Indian counterparts on Monday (26 October). US defence secretary Mark Esper was welcomed by the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh.

Esper meets Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo reached New Delhi on Monday ahead of the 2+2 ministerial level meet with Indian ministers.

India-US strategic dialogue: Pompeo, Esper will meet Rajnath Singh and S. Jaishankar

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in New Delhi

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo & Defence Secretary Mark Esper to arrive in India today

India always tried to maintain good relations with its neighbours, but situations arose from time to time when its armed forces had to make supreme sacrifices to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.

His comments during an address to a group of soldiers at the Indian Army's 33 Corps in Sukna in Darjeeling district came in the midst of a festering border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

Before the event, the defence minister reviewed the combat preparedness of the Indian Army during a high-level meeting at the key military base which is responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Sikkim sector.

In his address to the soldiers, Singh also mentioned the death of 20 Indian soldiers during a clash with the Chinese military in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15.

"India wants good relations its neighbours. India always tried for good ties with the neighbouring countries. But certain situations emerged from time to time when our soldiers had to make the supreme sacrifice to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," he said.

"This time too 20 soldiers of Bihar regiment had to sacrifice their lives to protect the country. I do not want to reveal what happened to the other side," Singh said.

The defence minister arrived at the key military base, popularly known as 'Trishakti' Corps, late in the afternoon.

This is part of his two-day visit to West Bengal and Sikkim to review the military preparedness in view of the border row in eastern Ladakh as well as to celebrate Dussehra with soldiers.

Singh is accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane.

The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors.

The officials said top commanders of the 33 Corps gave detailed briefing to the defence minister and Gen Naravane on the situation along the LAC in Sikkim sector as well as about deployment of troops and weapons.

In his interaction with the troops, the defence minister conveyed his wishes to them on the occasion of Vijayadashami and hailed their dedication in securing the nation's borders.

"Due to brave soldiers like you, the borders of this country are protected. The whole country is proud of you," he said.

The defence minister also talked about the rich history of the Trishakti Corps.

"The Trishakti Corps has a great golden history. Especially in 1962, 1967, 1971 and 1975, this Corps demonstrated examples of valour. It has been excellent," he said.

"I extend my best wishes to all of you and your family for the festival of Vijayadashami," the defence minister's office tweeted quoting him.

Officials said Singh will perform 'Shastra puja'(worship of weapons) at Sherathang area in Sikkim on Sunday morning on the occasion of Dussehra.

The defence minister had performed 'Shastra Puja' in the French port city of Bordeaux during Dussehra last year as he was on a bilateral visit to the country then.

Singh has been performing 'Shastra Puja' during Dussehra for the last several years including during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government.

Almost all formations of the Indian Army along the LAC are on a very high level of alert in view of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

India and China are locked in an over five-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties.

Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row.

However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.

India always tried to maintain good relations with its neighbours, but situations arose from time to time when its armed forces had to make supreme sacrifices to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.

India always tried to maintain good relations with its neighbours, but situations arose from time to time when its armed forces had to make supreme sacrifices to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday. His comments during an address to a group of soldiers at the Indian Army's 33 Corps in Sukna in Darjeeling district came in the midst of a festering border row with China in eastern Ladakh. Before the event, the defence minister reviewed the combat preparedness of the Indian Army during a high-level meeting at the key military base which is responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Sikkim sector. In his address to the soldiers, Singh also mentioned the death of 20 Indian soldiers during a clash with the Chinese military in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15. "India wants good relations its neighbours. India always tried for good ties with the neighbouring countries. But certain situations emerged from time to time when our soldiers had to make the supreme sacrifice to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," he said. "This time too 20 soldiers of Bihar regiment had to sacrifice their lives to protect the country. I do not want to reveal what happened to the other side," Singh said. The defence minister arrived at the key military base, popularly known as 'Trishakti' Corps, late in the afternoon. This is part of his two-day visit to West Bengal and Sikkim to review the military preparedness in view of the border row in eastern Ladakh as well as to celebrate Dussehra with soldiers. Singh is accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane. The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors. The officials said top commanders of the 33 Corps gave detailed briefing to the defence minister and Gen Naravane on the situation along the LAC in Sikkim sector as well as about deployment of troops and weapons. In his interaction with the troops, the defence minister conveyed his wishes to them on the occasion of Vijayadashami and hailed their dedication in securing the nation's borders. "Due to brave soldiers like you, the borders of this country are protected. The whole country is proud of you," he said. The defence minister also talked about the rich history of the Trishakti Corps. "The Trishakti Corps has a great golden history. Especially in 1962, 1967, 1971 and 1975, this Corps demonstrated examples of valour. It has been excellent," he said. "I extend my best wishes to all of you and your family for the festival of Vijayadashami," the defence minister's office tweeted quoting him. Officials said Singh will perform 'Shastra puja'(worship of weapons) at Sherathang area in Sikkim on Sunday morning on the occasion of Dussehra. The defence minister had performed 'Shastra Puja' in the French port city of Bordeaux during Dussehra last year as he was on a bilateral visit to the country then. Singh has been performing 'Shastra Puja' during Dussehra for the last several years including during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government. Almost all formations of the Indian Army along the LAC are on a very high level of alert in view of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh. India and China are locked in an over five-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties. Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.

India wants good relations its neighbours: Rajnath's message to China amid LAC tensions

Ahead of third India, US 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meet in New Delhi next week, the US state department has said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control with Chinese forces amassed will be discussed at the meet. The 2+2 meet will take place on October 26 and 27, and for that US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will visit India.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean R. Thompson, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs speaking to reporters in Washington said, "Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. &nbsp;I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence".

The Ministry of external affairs' spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during weekly virtual presser said, "The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. &nbsp;In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues."

India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-official-india-and-usa-will-hold-22-dialogue-next-week-337003">Also read|&nbsp;It's official: India and USA will hold 2+2 dialogue next week</a>

On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) which is a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. &nbsp;I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip."

BECA will be the last of the four foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002.

Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now."

Explaining, " There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed. "

The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

Ahead of third India, US 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meet in New Delhi next week, the US state department has said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control with Chinese forces amassed will be discussed at the meet.

Ahead of third India, US 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meet in New Delhi next week, the US state department has said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control with Chinese forces amassed will be discussed at the meet. The 2+2 meet will take place on October 26 and 27, and for that US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will visit India. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean R. Thompson, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs speaking to reporters in Washington said, "Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence". The Ministry of external affairs' spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during weekly virtual presser said, "The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues." India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number. Also read| It's official: India and USA will hold 2+2 dialogue next week On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) which is a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip." BECA will be the last of the four foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002. Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now." Explaining, " There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed. " The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

US state department says LAC situation will be discussed at 2+2; BECA agreement in works

Ahead of next week's 2+2 dialogue between US and India, US State Department said that situation at Line of Actual Control between India and China will be discussed. The 2+ 2 meeting is due to take place on 26th and 27th October. This the third such dialogue between India and the US. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will be visiting India to meet their Indian counterparts.

"Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. &nbsp;I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence," said Dean Thompson, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. He was speaking with reporters in Washington.

"The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross-cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues," said MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during the weekly virtual press conference.

India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number.

On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. &nbsp;I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip."

BECA will be the last of the 4 foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002.

Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now."

"There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed," the official added.

The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

Ahead of next week's 2+2 dialogue between US and India, US State Department said that situation at Line of Actual Control between India and China will be discussed.

Ahead of next week's 2+2 dialogue between US and India, US State Department said that situation at Line of Actual Control between India and China will be discussed. The 2+ 2 meeting is due to take place on 26th and 27th October. This the third such dialogue between India and the US. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will be visiting India to meet their Indian counterparts. "Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence," said Dean Thompson, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. He was speaking with reporters in Washington. "The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross-cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues," said MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during the weekly virtual press conference. India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number. On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip." BECA will be the last of the 4 foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002. Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now." "There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed," the official added. The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

Situation at LAC will be discussed during 2+2 dialogue with India: US State Department

The Chinese soldier who walked across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok sector on October 18 has been returned. Both India and China have confirmed while both sides are preparing to hold another round of senior military commander talks likely later this week.

WION Dispatch: India hands over Chinese soldier who crossed LAC

The detained Chinese soldier has been handed over to the China's PLA (People's Liberation Army). Soldier has been identified as Wang Ya Long, was reportedly handed over last night the the Chushul-Moldo meeting point.

Sources: Chinese soldier detained from Indian territory on Monday, handed over to PLA

A chinese soldier has been arrested by Indian security forces amid high tensions between India & China along the LAC. The arrest was made near Demchok area of Ladakh.

Breaking News: Chinese soldier with a PLA card arrested in India

The Indian Army said that it has restored an old and damaged grave of a Pakistani officer in the Naugam sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistani officer was killed in 1972 close to the fence on the Line of Control (LoC).

Indian Army restores Pakistan's Lt. Major Mohd Shabir Khan's grave

China has reacted to India's big infrastructural push along the LAC in Ladakh. China said that the Indian side has been ramping up intracultural development along the border and stepping up military deployment. Watch report.

India-China border standoff: Infrastructure along LAC, cause of tensions

As India and China hold 7th rounds of military-level talks, Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why a status quo ante might not be in favour of India, and why New Delhi should push for border demarcation.

Gravitas: Ladakh stand-off: India, China hold talks

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