New Delhi (NVI): Indian forces would have to be prepared to deal with a “two-front” threat scenario in the wake of increasing cooperation between Pakistan and China as they both form a “potent threat” to the national security, Army Chief General MM Naravane said today.
Naravane said that both Pakistan and China were warming up to each other in both military and non-military sectors. He was indirectly referring to the China-funded CPEC project in Pakistan and military equipment that the country has been receiving from China recently.
“Pakistan and China together form a potent threat, and the threat of collusion cannot be wished away,” he said while addressing a press conference ahead of Army Day.
Apart from that, Gen Naravane said India has maintained a high alert level along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “We are ready to meet any eventuality, our operational preparedness is of very high order,” he added.
The Army Chief’s remarks came amid the stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Eastern Ladakh. Gen Naravane also hoped that an agreement for disengagement and de-escalation would be reached with China soon.
While China continues to deploy thousands of troops along LAC in Ladakh, Pakistan is engaged in regular unprovoked ceasefire violations along LoC, which has led to the loss of lives in border areas.
-ARK
