IAF chief briefed on Chinese air threat in Ladakh, reviews readiness

This was Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari's maiden visit after taking over as the IAF chief earlier this month.

Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has reviewed the security scenario along the Line of Actual Control in the wake of Chinese developing air bases in the Ladakh region.

This was Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari's maiden visit after taking over as the IAF chief earlier this month.

During his visit, he took stock of the operational readiness of the force to counter any misadventure carried out by the Chinese Air Force. He also interacted with the personnel stationed at the airbase and units on deployment.

Ahead of the 89th Air Force Day, the chief had said that the China PLAAF jets are still present at three airbases along the LAC. However, he had maintained that the IAF is ready to deal with any situation. 

On October 10, the Corps Commanders of two countries held their 13th round of talks at Moldo to discuss the disengagement process from Hot Springs and the overall de-escalation process but the talk ended inconclusively.

The Chinese alleged that India made unrealistic demands while New Delhi stated that it had provided constructive proposals which the Chinese did not agree with suggestions and also could not provide any forward-looking proposals.

With the talks hitting a roadblock, it is certain that the Indian troops will have to spend another winter at heights in the Ladakh region to keep a vigil on the Chinese. The troops have been well-equipped with the latest weaponry, including the indigenous K9 Vajra T guns and the M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers. The frontline troops have been armed with the US-made Sig Sauer assault rifles and Israel-made Negev Light Machine Guns.

Just days ago, India had also snubbed China's protest against Vice President Venkaiah Naidu's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. 

Responding to China's warning, asking New Delhi to avoid actions that could complicate the boundary issue, India made it clear that Arunachal Pradesh was an integral part of India and asked Beijing to not bother about where its leadership can visit.

Moreover, India has abundantly made it clear that the onus on restoring the status quo along the LAC remains with Beijing as it was they who had violated mutual agreements and trespassed into Indian territory.