How is the relationship between India and China now?
General Dwivedi also spoke on relations with China. he/she said that India and China are exploring ways to reduce the large number of soldiers deployed on the LAC (Line of Actual Control) after the return of the army in Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh and Demchok. he/she also reiterated that all core commanders have been empowered to resolve minor issues related to patrolling and grazing so that the issue ‘does not change into violence’.
Earlier this month, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh rejected the claim of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Rahul had claimed that the army chief had said that Chinese soldiers were present in Indian territory. On this, General Dwivedi said in a podcast with ANI that the army should not be dragged into political disputes.
he/she told Rahul Gandhi’s statement irresponsible
Singh had accused Gandhi of distorting the words of the army chief and performing ‘irresponsible politics’ on national security matters. General Dwivedi said, ‘I think the Defense Minister (Singh) has given a political answer. But what I have learned is that I should try to ensure that the army does not join politics.
No compromise on Article 370
Talking about Pakistan, the army chief said that the neighboring country has been clearly told that the entire Jammu and Kashmir is the ‘integral part of India’ with the removal of Article 370 in August 2019. he/she said, “There is no compromise in it.” he/she also informed that the number of ‘local people’ admitted as terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir has decreased significantly. People now have no ‘confusion’ about their identity and the purpose of moving towards ‘Tourism to Tourism’ is working well at the ground level. The army chief further said, ‘India has very clearly stated that we (from Pakistan) will be firm in our conversation. And if needed, we can also be aggressive. Therefore, if you force us, we will be very aggressive to tell our intentions. ‘
ISI’s concern with Bangladesh tour
Last month, a delegation of Pakistani Army and ISI visited Rangpur in Bangladesh, close to Siliguri Corridor in Bengal. When asked about this, Dwivedi said, ‘I used the word of terrorism for a particular country (Pakistan). Now those countrymen, if they go to some other place and that place is in our neighboring country, as far as my question is, I should be worried about it. ‘
The army chief had earlier said that India and Bangladesh consider each other to be ‘strategically important’ neighbors and no ‘enmity’ between the two countries is in the interest of anyone. he/she said that the relationship between the two armies is ‘very strong’ and ‘we are capable of exchange of information from each other when we want’.
