Not one inch of our land can be taken by any power in world: Rajnath Singh assures soldiers in Ladakh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his security view visit to Ladakh amid border row with China, interacted with troops at Lukung, along with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General MM Naravane. Addressing the soldiers, Rajnath Singh said, "talks are underway to resolve the border dispute but to what extent it can be resolved I cannot guarantee. I can assure you, not one inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world. If the solution can be found by talks, there is nothing better."

"Recently what happened between troops of India and China at PP14, how some of our personnel sacrificed their lives protecting our border. I am happy to meet you all but also saddened because of their loss. I pay my tributes to them," Rajnath Singh said.

Accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army chief General MM Naravane, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached Leh on Friday (today) morning for a day-long visit to carry out a comprehensive review of the security scenario in the region. Rajnath Singh also visited Stakna and Lukung forward areas.

Defence Minister's visit came just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a surprise move had visited forward areas in Leh, Ladakh to boost the confidence of armed forces amid China tension.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ladakh on July 3 during which he also addressed troops and signalled the country's firmness in dealing with the India-China border row. Singh was originally scheduled to visit Ladakh on July 3 but the trip was deferred.

 

Reviewing security at one of the forward posts in Leh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inspected a Pika machine gun at Stakna, Leh.

 

Reviewing security situation in Ladakh, Rajnath Singh, CDS and Army Chief witnessed troops of Indian Armed Forces carrying out para dropping exercise at Stakna, Leh. 

 

 

Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for over eight weeks since May 5. The tension escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed.

 

However, following a series of diplomatic and military talks, the two sides began a mutual disengagement process on July 6 and withdrew troops from most of the friction points.

 

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