A propaganda video released by Chinese state media on the Galwan clash with our army

New Delhi: The first half of February witnessed disengagement between the Indian and Chinese troops on the banks of Pangong Tso, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the eastern Ladakh. And even as efforts are underway to resolve the stand-off in other areas along the LAC, it has emerged that a strategic move to 'occupy heights along the southern banks of Pangong Tso' proved to be a game-changer idea that facilitated the disengagement of troops from both the sides from their forward positions.

According to an ANI report citing sources, the idea 'to occupy heights to gain an edge over the Chinese' troops emerged during a meeting chaired by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and attended by military commanders that included Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, and Army Chief General MM Naravane besides others.

"The idea of using the Special Frontier Force including Tibetans to carry out the operations also emerged during these meetings involving military commanders," the agency report cited sources as saying. The report further added that the deployment of lethal strategic platforms such as fighter jets also sent out a clear message to Beijing that India was unwilling to take Chinese aggressions lightly.

The Advice Given By Our NSA Also Came In Extremely Handy: Army Chief Naravane

On Wednesday, while addressing a webinar, Army Chief General Naravane acknowledged the crucial role played by NSA Doval in handling the LAC standoff. "We had a number of meetings and in these. The advice given by our NSA also came in extremely handy. His insight into strategic affairs and matters definitely helped us in chalking out our response," Naravane said.

On February 10, India and China began disengaging from both banks of the Pangong lake. Addressing the Parliament on the matter, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that his government was committed to ensuring that not 'even an inch' of India's land would be given away to its adversaries.