Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh launched 63 infrastructures made by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in Ladakh. The minister is currently on a three-day tour of the Union Territory where he will inspect India’s operational readiness at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
“Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated 63 infra projects constructed by BRO from Ladakh ” tweeted the Defence Ministry.
He also meet the Indian troops and took part in a program organised by the district administration. Singh also met the elected members of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC), Kargil.
He was also briefed about the situation at the LAC with China.
This is his first visit ever since India and China were locked in hostilities at several flashpoints along the borders.
His visit comes at a time when India and China’s disengagement process at several flashpoints along eastern Ladakh have come to a stalemate.
During the recent talks, China has been unwilling to withdraw troops from Hot Springs, Gogra, and Depsang.
More ever the two countries have been locked in a fresh war of words after China increased the number of troops near the India border.
India blamed China for the standoff saying its amassing of a large number of troops close to the border and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo along the LAC last year were responsible for seriously disturbing peace and tranquillity in the region.
India’s response came after China said its military deployment in the region is a normal defence arrangement aimed at “preventing and responding” to “encroachment and threat” on Chinese territory by India.
India and China were locked in a military standoff at multiple friction points in eastern Ladakh since early May last year. However, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong lake in February following a series of military and diplomatic talks.