As winter tightens its grip on the Ladakh region, the Indian Army is ramping up its efforts to maintain operational readiness and ensure the well-being of its troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This marks the sixth consecutive winter that the Indian Army will maintain a significant presence in the high-altitude region following the start of the border standoff with China in 2020.
Troop Redeployment and Winter Preparedness
The Army's winter strategy includes a planned redeployment of troops along the LAC. This involves a potential temporary reduction of soldiers from some forward posts that become isolated due to heavy snowfall. However, adequate reserve forces will be stationed in depth areas to ensure a swift response to any contingency. The redeployment aims to optimize troop placement, ensuring that soldiers are strategically positioned while also considering the logistical challenges posed by the harsh winter conditions.
To mitigate the impact of the cold, the Army has made extensive arrangements for its soldiers. These include providing special winter clothing, prefabricated shelters, and high-energy rations. The forward troops are being accommodated in heated tents, and new facilities such as barrel-type shelters and fast-erectable modular shelters have been constructed. The army is also stocking special winter-grade diesel and kerosene that remain functional even at temperatures as low as -33°C. Moreover, the army has engaged geologists to find underground water sources, as surface water sources freeze during winter.
Geo-Tagging of Key Features
In a significant move to enhance border management, the Indian Army has been undertaking geo-tagging of key features along the LAC. This exercise, which began earlier in the year, is nearing completion. Established patrolling points, key landmarks, and other important features are being geo-tagged to clearly demarcate the LAC. This is expected to aid in easier identification of disputed areas during future talks and facilitate smoother patrolling by Indian troops. Local commanders will verify the geo-tagging data after the winter.
Maintaining Vigilance and Stability
Despite the disengagement from friction points agreed upon in October 2024, troops from both India and China remain deployed in substantial numbers along the LAC. While the situation along the LAC has been relatively calm this year due to confidence-building measures and strict control by commanders, a trust deficit persists. The Indian Army is committed to maintaining stability and preventing any untoward incidents.
Domination of the border through the latest surveillance devices will continue throughout the winter. This will be supported by extensive use of drones and winter air surveillance sorties by helicopters, with limited coordinated patrols conducted as needed. The comprehensive surveillance network is designed to monitor the LAC and surrounding areas around the clock, ultimately reducing the need for additional patrolling efforts.
Logistical Challenges and Infrastructure Development
The challenging winter conditions in Ladakh, with temperatures dropping to as low as -40 degrees Celsius and heavy snowfall, pose significant logistical challenges. The Indian Army has been working to improve infrastructure and ensure a steady supply of essential items to its troops. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is playing a crucial role in maintaining and upgrading roads in the region.
The Army has also been focusing on enhancing the operational readiness of its equipment, including tanks and other armored vehicles. This involves using special fuels and lubricants that are resilient to extreme cold temperatures and establishing repair facilities to reduce maintenance cycles.
By proactively addressing the challenges posed by the harsh winter and strengthening its surveillance and infrastructure capabilities, the Indian Army is determined to maintain a strong presence along the LAC and safeguard India's interests in the Ladakh region.
