New Delhi, May 28

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane on Friday said there could be no de-escalation without complete disengagement at all friction points in eastern Ladakh and that the Indian Army was prepared for all contingencies in the region.

In an exclusive interview, Gen Naravane said India was dealing with China in a “firm” and “non-escalatory” manner to ensure the sanctity of its claims in eastern Ladakh. It has been more than a year since the military standoff between the two sides erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. Gen Naravane asserted that the Indian Army was currently holding onto all important areas in the high-altitude region and had adequate personnel in the form of “reserves” to react to any contingencies.“We are very clear that no de-escalation can take place before disengagement at all friction points. India and China have signed a number of border agreements which have been unilaterally breached by the People’s Liberation Army,” Gen Naravane said.

He said the next rounds of military talks with China would focus on restoring the status quo ante of April 2020. — PTI