The Indian Army will be able to handle any situation along the country's border with China, according to Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, who also said talks would continue for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing dispute in the Ladakh sector and that de-escalation and disengagement were the best course of action.

Singh's remarks come as the India-China border dispute in eastern Ladakh is about to enter its fourth year in early May. The Indian and Chinese forces still each have more than 60,000 soldiers posted in the Ladakh theatre, after four rounds of disengagement from Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Gogra (PP-17A), and Hot Springs (PP-15).

Despite 17 rounds of negotiations between the Chinese and Indian soldiers, the issues at Depsang in the Demchok sector and Charding Nullah Junction (CNJ) in the Daulet Beg Oldi sector remain unresolved.

“It is our whole-of-government approach to ensure availability of best weapons, equipment and clothing to our troops braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity,” Singh said in his address to the army brass at the ongoing Army Commanders’ Conference.