Army to discuss Indo-China border dispute at a seminar

Guwahati: The Indian Army is set to conduct a two-day seminar to discuss several matters related to the India-China border including disputes and Chinese strategies. Evolving threats on the borders are in focus.

The seminar will start on Thursday at the Gajraj Corps headquarters in Assam's Tezpur. Senior diplomats, academicians, and military commanders will be part of the panel.

Defence spokesman Lt. Col Mahendra Rawat said the continued push for operational preparedness along the northern borders has been boosted due to the high priority-fast-paced infrastructure development. Infusion of the latest technology in the Army and a vigorous discourse on doctrine and strategy are also factors.

Eastern Command chief, Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita will also be taking part in the panel discussion as he is on a four-day visit to the Gajraj Corps. He said the seminar is to refine the understanding of the diverse contours of the evolution of the Sino-India boundary dispute over the decades, Chinese strategic thought process and military transformation, implications, and a way ahead for India.

"Army's Eastern Command is responsible for safeguarding the country's long frontiers in the northeast region across some of the most difficult and inhospitable high-altitude and jungle terrains found anywhere on earth," he added.

Over 200 serving officers of the Indian armed forces will be attending the seminar. Ambassador Ashok Kantha, Professor Srikanth Kondapalli, Jayadev Ranade, Amrita Jash, Claude Arpi, former Northern Command chief, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh (retd), former Army Training Command chief, Lt Gen Raj Shukla (retd, and National Security Advisory Board member), and Lt Gen S.L. Narasimhan (retd) will be in attendance.

Indian Air Force's Eastern Command chief Air Marshal D.K. Patnaik also visited the Air Force station in Tezpur during his three-day tour. He interacted with officers of the station and encouraged them to stay updated with new technology.