New Delhi, Jan 13 — Indian Army Chief General Manoj Dwivedi said on Tuesday that the situation along the disputed boundary with China remains under control but requires close monitoring, as diplomatic and military engagements between New Delhi and Beijing continue following last year’s disengagement agreement.
“Situation at northern front remains stable but needs constant monitoring. Our deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains balanced,” General Dwivedi said at the Army’s annual press conference ahead of Army Day on January 15.
His remarks come in the backdrop of the October 2024 agreement between India and China on a new patrolling arrangement in the Depsang sector of eastern Ladakh, which brought an end to the military standoff that began in April 2020. Since then, the two sides have resumed structured talks through their Special Representatives — National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi — who have met twice and agreed to work towards demarcating the boundary.
Dwivedi also addressed nuclear rhetoric during previous tensions with Pakistan, saying the issue never came up during military-level talks. “There was no mention of nuclear during the talks the two DGMO’s had during that period. The nuclear rhetoric was being pushed by the political class,” he said, without naming any Pakistani leaders.
Referring to developments after May 10, when a cessation of hostilities was announced, the Army Chief said some forward mobilisation was rolled back by the end of the month. “But our eyes and ears are open,” he added.
Looking ahead, Dwivedi said the Army is undergoing structural changes aimed at making it more agile and integrated. “By 2026, we will have an Indian Army capable of striking deep,” he said, referring to the move towards theatre commands and force restructuring.
He also announced several new formations, including Bhairav light commando battalions, Shaktibaan regiments, Divyaastra artillery batteries and Ashni platoons.