The Union government on Wednesday cleared the addition of 9,400 personnel to guard posts along the Chinese border, approved a 4.1-km-long tunnel that will guarantee all-weather access to Ladakh, and announced incentives to encourage people to stay back in remote border villages, unveiling a major push to bolster security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
In response to the ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India has decided to raise seven new battalions of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The ITBP, which was formed in the aftermath of the 1962 war with China, has been at the forefront of guarding India’s borders with China, and has performed commendably in the face of multiple Chinese incursions.
The ITBP is a specialized force that is responsible for patrolling India’s border with China, as well as providing security in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. The force is known for its rigorous training, which includes mountaineering, skiing, and survival skills, and its soldiers are also trained in unarmed combat and specialized weapons handling.
The ITBP has been involved in several standoffs with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in recent years. The most notable of these was the 2017 standoff at Doklam, a disputed plateau between China and India’s ally Bhutan. The standoff lasted for over two months, during which the ITBP played a crucial role in preventing the PLA from making any further incursions into the region.
The ITBP has also been involved in several skirmishes with Chinese troops along the LAC. In June 2020, a violent clash took place between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley, resulting in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops. The ITBP was one of the first forces to respond to the clash and played a key role in pushing back the Chinese troops.
In light of the ongoing tensions along the LAC, India has decided to raise seven new battalions of the ITBP. These new battalions will be deployed along the LAC and will be responsible for patrolling and securing India’s borders with China. The ITBP has already started the process of recruiting and training new soldiers for these battalions.
“It will cost around ₹1,808 crore to construct buildings, acquire land, arms and ammunition, which will be non-recurring expenditure. Another ₹963 crore will be recurring expenditure for salaries and ration, among other things,” Thakur added.
The decision to raise new battalions of the ITBP is part of India’s larger strategy to strengthen its border infrastructure and capabilities. India has been investing heavily in the development of roads, airfields, and other infrastructure along the LAC, and has also been expanding its military presence in the region. The raising of new battalions of the ITBP is just one aspect of this larger effort.
In conclusion, the raising of seven new battalions of the ITBP is a significant development in the ongoing tensions between India and China. The ITBP has a proven track record of effectively guarding India’s borders with China, and the raising of new battalions will only strengthen India’s capabilities in the region. However, it is important to note that a peaceful resolution of the tensions along the LAC remains the ideal outcome for both countries.
