Larger conflict can’t be discounted: CDS

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 6

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat on Friday, while referring to the ongoing border tensions with China, said there was a possibility of matters “spiralling into a larger conflict”.

Addressing a webinar organised by National Defence College (NDC) as part of its diamond jubilee celebrations, General Rawat said: “Our posturing is unambiguous. We will not accept any shifting of the LAC. In the overall security calculus, border confrontations, transgressions and unprovoked tactical military actions spiralling into a larger conflict therefore cannot be discounted.”

General Rawat stated this while the 8th round of senior military commander talks between India and China were underway in Chushul in Ladakh to resolve the ongoing standoff.

Talking of the situation in eastern Ladakh, General Rawat said the situation remained tense and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China was facing “unanticipated consequences of its misadventure” in Ladakh because of the strong response from India.

Talking about the security challenges facing the nation, General Rawat referred to the “increasing collusion” between Pakistan and China.

Meanwhile, the meeting of senior military commanders commenced at 9:30 am at Chushul. Lt Gen PGK Menon, who took over as 14 Corps Commander on October 13, led the Indian side.